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"Súbitamente" is an adverb which is often translated as "suddenly", and "de repente" is a phrase which is also often translated as "suddenly". Learn more about the difference between "súbitamente" and "de repente" below.
súbitamente(
soo
-
bee
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tah
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mehn
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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 repente(
deh
 
rreh
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pehn
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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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