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"De repente" is a phrase which is often translated as "suddenly", and "súbitamente" is an adverb which is also often translated as "suddenly". Learn more about the difference between "de repente" and "súbitamente" below.
de repente(
deh
 
rreh
-
pehn
-
teh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. suddenly
Estaba caminando a la escuela cuando de repente comenzó a llover.I was walking to school when suddenly it started to rain.
b. all of a sudden
De repente, el aula se llenó de estudiantes.All of a sudden, the classroom was full of students.
a. maybe
De repente se le olvidó que ustedes se iban a encontrar.Maybe she forgot that you were going to meet up.
b. perhaps
¿De repente le gustaría una taza de té, señora?Perhaps you would like a cup of tea, ma'am?
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súbitamente(
soo
-
bee
-
tah
-
mehn
-
teh
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. suddenly
¿Por qué dejaste de hablar tan súbitamente? - Olvidé lo que iba a decir.Why did you stop talking so suddenly? - I forgot what I was going to say.
b. unexpectedly
Súbitamente, se cortó la luz.The power went out unexpectedly.
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