How to use "De Repente?"

Question

Hello---

I understand that the phrase "de repente" means "suddenly" in Spanish, but my babysitter (from Peru) uses this phrase all the time in ways that don't really seem to mean "suddenly." Sometimes she'll use it in a stand alone context as an answer to a statement, as though she is agreeing. "Ella es muy enojado, si? and she'll answer, "De repente."

Does this phrase mean more than just ''suddenly?"

it can mean maybe or probably, too. Trust me. I'm from Peru and it's how we use it down here. - leumas11, Dec 23, 2015

So, now you have three meanings for "de repente" ---> Suddenly / maybe / probably. - leumas11, Dec 23, 2015

Nice question! - marksteve, Dec 23, 2015

I doubt they are interested mate , this post is 6 years old . - ray76, Dec 24, 2015

I'm still reading the answers. I do appreciate the verification. I was never 100% comfortable using it this way before. Thank you! - swbabin, Dec 24, 2015

Answer 1

In some parts of South America, like Venezuela, it also means "probably". Maybe in Peru too.

In Peru, it's more like: Quizás, Tal vez so it could fit "maybe" and "probably" :D - leumas11, Dec 23, 2015

Answer 2

In Chile they seem to use "de repente" as "sometimes". I don't know if it's just a Chilean thing, but it's very common here

Please do us the favor of more fully filling out your profile, including your language proficiency. (Welcome to SD: - ) ... - Esteban_317, Dec 23, 2015

Answer 3

That has to be it! Thank you. It never came up as "probably" on any translating service I use, so you have solved the mystery.

Maybe the expression also means "Por Ejemplo"... - veroz, Jan 4, 2011

Why do you think that? Have you heard it used in such a way? That also fits with how she uses it. Thanks! - swbabin, Jan 4, 2011

Answer 4

The SD translator gives definitions of "perhaps" and "maybe" in addition to "suddenly."