vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Originar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cause", and "nacer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be born". Learn more about the difference between "originar" and "nacer" below.
originar(
oh
-
ree
-
hee
-
nahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to cause
Una chispa en el circuito eléctrico originó el incendio en el edificio.A spark in the electronic circuit caused the fire in the building.
b. to give rise to
Estoy leyendo la novela que originó la película.I'm reading the novel that gave rise to the movie.
originarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to originate
El fascismo se originó en Italia como respuesta al marxismo.Fascism originated in Italy as a response to Marxism.
b. to start
Los disturbios se originaron en las afueras de la ciudad y continuaron hacia el centro.The riot started in the outskirts of the city and moved downtown.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
nacer(
nah
-
sehr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to be born
Su bebé nacerá muy pronto.Her baby will be born very soon.
b. to hatch (from an egg)
¿Cuántos pollitos han nacido?How many chicks have hatched?
a. to sprout
A mi orquídea le ha nacido una hoja nueva.My orchid has sprouted a new leaf.
b. to grow
No se preocupe, le volverá a nacer el pelo.Don't worry, your hair will grow back.
a. to rise
El Nilo nace en África central.The Nile rises in central Africa.
b. to have its source
El río nace en esa montaña.The river has its source in that mountain.
c. to start
El camino nace en la aldea.The path starts in the village.
a. to grow
De ese encuentro, nació una bonita amistad.From that meeting, a beautiful friendship grew.
a. to rise
¿Por dónde nace el sol?Where does the sun rise?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.