Repentino vs. súbito vs. brusco
The Spanish words repentino, súbito, and brusco can all be translated as sudden, but each holds a slightly different connotation. While all three refer to the rapid onset, the nuance of each word relies on the type of situation or event they are describing.
Repentino
B1Repentino signifies a sudden or unexpected change or event, something that has rapidly and abruptly come about, typically causing surprise.
Su muerte fue muy repentina.
(His death was very sudden.)
Un repentino cambio de planes nos impidió ir.
(A sudden change of plans prevented us from going.)
Súbito
B2Súbito also refers to an abrupt occurrence, but is often more formal than repentino. It implies immediacy and a lack of warning.
Sufrió un súbito ataque al corazón.
(He suffered a sudden heart attack.)
Esta mañana, hubo un súbito aumento de la temperatura.
(This morning, there was a sudden rise in temperature.)
Brusco
B1Brusco describes a jarring or harsh suddenness. It can suggest violence or significant shift and is often used to refer physical movements or changes in direction, or dramatic shifts in situations.
El autobús hizo un giro brusco.
(The bus made a sudden turn.)
Hubo un brusco descenso en las ventas.
(There was a sharp drop in sales.)
Summary
Repentino, súbito, and brusco each capture differing senses of the concept of suddenness. Repentino denotes unexpectedness and surprise, súbito emphasizes immediacy and lack of warning, while brusco portrays harshness or an abrupt change, typically related to physical movements or dramatic shifts.