de repente
Lemma Details
Translation: suddenly; all of a sudden; unexpectedly; out of the blue
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase comes from the preposition 'de' (from, of) and 'repente', which derives from Latin 'repens, repentis' meaning 'sudden, unexpected'. The Latin term is related to the verb 'repere' (to creep, to move suddenly). The English word 'repent' shares the same Latin root, though with a different semantic evolution focusing on the suddenness of changing one's mind or feeling remorse.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
De repente, empezó a llover.
Suddenly, it started to rain.
Estábamos caminando tranquilamente cuando, de repente, escuchamos un ruido extraño.
We were walking calmly when, suddenly, we heard a strange noise.
De repente me di cuenta de que había olvidado mi cartera.
All of a sudden I realized I had forgotten my wallet.
No me gusta cuando las cosas cambian de repente.
I don't like it when things change unexpectedly.
Mnemonics
- Think of something 'repenting' suddenly - a quick change of heart happens 'de repente'
- Connect 'repente' with 'repentance' which often comes suddenly when one realizes they've done something wrong
- Imagine a 'rapid event' (sounds like 'repente') happening unexpectedly
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish conversation and storytelling. It's often used to introduce unexpected plot twists in narratives or to describe surprising events in daily life. The phrase appears frequently in literature, film dialogue, and news reporting across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'suddenly', 'de pronto' can sometimes carry a slightly more immediate sense, though in most contexts they are interchangeable. Regional preferences exist for one over the other.
This word:
De repente, cambió de opinión sobre el proyecto.
Suddenly, he changed his mind about the project.
Confused word:
De pronto, cambió de opinión sobre el proyecto.
Suddenly, he changed his mind about the project.
Notes: In many Spanish-speaking regions, these phrases are used interchangeably, though some speakers may have personal preferences for one over the other.
Mnemonic: 'Repente' sounds like 'repent', which involves a sudden change; 'pronto' means 'soon' in Spanish, suggesting immediacy.
Explanation: 'De improviso' emphasizes the unplanned, improvised nature of an event, while 'de repente' focuses more on the suddenness. 'De improviso' often implies lack of preparation.
Confused word:
Llegó de improviso a la fiesta sin avisar a nadie.
He arrived at the party unexpectedly without telling anyone.
Notes: 'De improviso' is slightly more formal and less frequent in everyday conversation than 'de repente'.
Mnemonic: 'Improviso' relates to 'improvise' - something done without planning; 'repente' relates to suddenness.