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"Súbitamente" is an adverb which is often translated as "suddenly", and "de pronto" is a phrase which is also often translated as "suddenly". Learn more about the difference between "súbitamente" and "de pronto" below.
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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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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