incidente
/inθiˈdente/masculine
The English word "incident" is translated into Spanish as incidente.
incidente refers to an event or occurrence, often used to describe minor or unexpected events.
Meaning: event or occurrence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While incidente refers to a specific occurrence and is often used for minor or unexpected events, suceso is a more neutral term for a general event or happening.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the formal term hecho can be used to mean "incident".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun incidente is masculine, so it is preceded by masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/inθiˈdente/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you refer to an 'incident' in a social setting, people may assume you are talking about a 'clash' or an 'argument' rather than just a coincidence.
- The term incidente is derived from the Latin word incidentem, which originally meant 'falling upon' or 'happening'.
- In a legal context, a Spanish speaker might use the term incidente to refer to a specific procedural motion or a side issue within a trial, rather than just a random event.
Examples in context
- Te contaré acerca del incidente.I'll explain the incident.This sentence is useful for explaining the incidente.Tatoeba #1435935 by marcelostockle, translation #1318704 by CK
- Es un incidente sin importancia.It's a trifling incident.This sentence is useful for describing the importance of an incidente.Tatoeba #1616110 by teskmon, translation #42665 by AlanF_US
- Nunca más mencionó el incidente.He never referred to the incident again.This sentence is useful for saying someone mentioned the incidente.Tatoeba #4534791 by ponisio7, translation #302163 by CK
- ¡Hoy tuve un pequeño lío en la oficina, pero todo está solucionado ahora!Today I had a little incident at the office, but everything is resolved now!
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a problem at work.
- SofíaJavier, ¿sabes qué pasó con el incidente de ayer?Javier, do you know what happened with yesterday's incident?
- JavierSí, el jefe ya escribió un reporte sobre el incidente.Yes, the boss already wrote a report about the incident.
- SofíaEspero que no haya sido un incidente grave.I hope it wasn't a serious incident.
- JavierNo te preocupes, fue un incidente menor.Don't worry, it was a minor incident.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “incident” translations and entries incidente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries incidente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
