"De pronto" is an adverbial phrase.
/ðe ˈproŋto/
"De pronto" is used in Spanish to denote an unexpected or abrupt occurrence. It can indicate that something happens without warning or unexpectedly. This phrase is common in both oral and written contexts, although it may be used slightly more frequently in informal spoken language.
De pronto, la luz se apagó en toda la casa.
Suddenly, the light went out in the whole house.
De pronto, escuché un ruido extraño en el jardín.
All of a sudden, I heard a strange noise in the garden.
La conversación era tranquila, pero de pronto, todos comenzaron a reír.
The conversation was calm, but suddenly, everyone started laughing.
"De pronto" is frequently used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few examples that highlight its usage in different contexts:
De pronto y por sorpresa, recibí una llamada de un viejo amigo.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, I received a call from an old friend.
De pronto se hace de noche
Suddenly it becomes night
De pronto se hace de noche y no tengo camino a casa.
Suddenly it becomes night and I have no way home.
De pronto, el tiempo cambia
Suddenly, the weather changes
De pronto, el tiempo cambia y hay una tormenta.
Suddenly, the weather changes and there is a storm.
De pronto, todo se complica
Suddenly, everything gets complicated
Creía que tenía todo bajo control, pero de pronto, todo se complica.
I thought I had everything under control, but suddenly, everything gets complicated.
De pronto, el corazón se acelera
Suddenly, the heart races
The phrase "de pronto" derives from Spanish, where "de" means "of" or "from," and "pronto" means "quick" or "soon." The combination conveys a sense of immediacy or an event that happens without delay.
Synonyms: - De repente - De inmediato
Antonyms: - Lentamente (slowly) - Con calma (calmly)