B1 Expression 중립

De repente

Suddenly

Indicating that something happened unexpectedly or without warning.

🌍

문화적 배경

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.

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!

셀프 테스트

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to indicate a sudden event.

Estaba caminando por el bosque y, ________, vi un lobo.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: de repente

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:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Estaba leyendo y de repente se apagó la vela.

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.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: de repente

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?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Maybe they will go to your house.

In Venezuela, 'de repente' is a common way to say 'maybe'.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Synonyms by Register

👔

Formal

  • Súbitamente
  • Inesperadamente
😐

Neutral

  • De repente
  • De pronto
😎

Informal

  • De golpe
  • De la nada

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to indicate a sudden event. Fill Blank A2

Estaba caminando por el bosque y, ________, vi un lobo.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: de repente

Seeing a wolf in a forest is a sudden, unexpected event, so 'de repente' is the best fit.

Which sentence uses 'de repente' correctly? Choose B1

Select the natural sentence:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Estaba leyendo y de repente se apagó la vela.

A candle going out is a sudden event that interrupts an ongoing action (reading).

Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response. dialogue_completion B1

Juan: ¿Por qué llegas tarde? Maria: Iba en el bus y ________ se pinchó una rueda.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: de repente

A tire puncturing is an unexpected interruption to a journey.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B2

You are in Venezuela and someone says 'De repente voy a tu casa'. What do they mean?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Maybe they will go to your house.

In Venezuela, 'de repente' is a common way to say 'maybe'.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

6 질문

Yes, 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.

관련 표현

🔄

de pronto

synonym

Suddenly

🔗

de golpe

similar

All at once / abruptly

🔗

súbitamente

specialized form

Suddenly (formal)

🔗

inesperadamente

similar

Unexpectedly

🔗

de la nada

informal alternative

Out of nowhere

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