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"De pronto" 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 pronto" and "súbitamente" below.
de pronto(
deh
 
prohn
-
toh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. suddenly
Estábamos en el parque cuando de pronto empezó a llover.We were at the park when it suddenly started to rain.
b. all of a sudden
Estábamos viendo una película y de pronto se fue la luz.We were watching a movie when all of a sudden the lights went off.
2. (perhaps) (Andes)
Regionalism used in Uruguay
(Uruguay)
a. maybe
De pronto no lo sabían.Maybe they didn't know.
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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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