Signification
Indicating that something happened unexpectedly or without warning.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'de repente' is strictly used for suddenness. If you want to say 'maybe', you must use 'quizás' or 'tal vez'. Using 'de repente' for 'maybe' will sound like a mistake to a Spaniard. In the Rioplatense region, 'de repente' is a very common 'hedge' word. It softens a suggestion. 'De repente podemos ir al parque' sounds less demanding than 'Vamos al parque'. Mexicans use 'de repente' frequently in storytelling, often followed by 'que' in informal speech: 'Y de repente que se cae'. This 'que' adds a layer of immediacy and drama. Similar to the Southern Cone, Venezuelans use it for possibility. It's so common that it has almost replaced 'tal vez' in casual conversation.
The Storytelling Hook
Use 'de repente' to pause for a second before revealing the surprise. It builds tension!
Spelling Trap
Never write it as one word 'derrepente'. It's a common mistake even for native speakers in texts.
Signification
Indicating that something happened unexpectedly or without warning.
The Storytelling Hook
Use 'de repente' to pause for a second before revealing the surprise. It builds tension!
Spelling Trap
Never write it as one word 'derrepente'. It's a common mistake even for native speakers in texts.
The 'Maybe' Map
Remember: Spain = Suddenly. Venezuela/Argentina = Maybe or Suddenly. Context is king!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to indicate a sudden event.
Estaba caminando por el bosque y, ________, vi un lobo.
Seeing a wolf in a forest is a sudden, unexpected event, so 'de repente' is the best fit.
Which sentence uses 'de repente' correctly?
Select the natural sentence:
A candle going out is a sudden event that interrupts an ongoing action (reading).
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Juan: ¿Por qué llegas tarde? Maria: Iba en el bus y ________ se pinchó una rueda.
A tire puncturing is an unexpected interruption to a journey.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in Venezuela and someone says 'De repente voy a tu casa'. What do they mean?
In Venezuela, 'de repente' is a common way to say 'maybe'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Synonyms by Register
Formal
- • Súbitamente
- • Inesperadamente
Neutral
- • De repente
- • De pronto
Informal
- • De golpe
- • De la nada
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEstaba caminando por el bosque y, ________, vi un lobo.
Seeing a wolf in a forest is a sudden, unexpected event, so 'de repente' is the best fit.
Select the natural sentence:
A candle going out is a sudden event that interrupts an ongoing action (reading).
Juan: ¿Por qué llegas tarde? Maria: Iba en el bus y ________ se pinchó una rueda.
A tire puncturing is an unexpected interruption to a journey.
You are in Venezuela and someone says 'De repente voy a tu casa'. What do they mean?
In Venezuela, 'de repente' is a common way to say 'maybe'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsYes, in spoken Spanish, 'de repente' is used 90% of the time. 'Súbitamente' is mostly for books and news.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Sucedió de repente' is fine, but 'De repente, sucedió' is more dramatic.
No, it is an adverbial phrase and remains 'de repente' regardless of the subject.
It's a matter of regional preference and style. They are synonyms in most contexts.
It's not common. In Mexico, stick to 'tal vez' or 'a lo mejor' for 'perhaps'.
Yes, if you are describing an unexpected event (like a server crash), it's perfectly fine.
Expressions liées
de pronto
synonymSuddenly
de golpe
similarAll at once / abruptly
súbitamente
specialized formSuddenly (formal)
inesperadamente
similarUnexpectedly
de la nada
informal alternativeOut of nowhere
