Spanish word

brusco

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɾusko/

Meaning

  • adjectivesudden

Example

Hubo un brusco cambio de planes.

There was a sudden change of plans.

Illustration for brusco (sudden)

More examples

El autobús hizo una parada brusca y todos se tambalearon.

The bus made a sudden stop and everyone staggered.

Core concept

Sudden, jarring change in plans or tone.

Common phrases

  • cambio brusco

    sudden change

  • parada brusca

    sudden stop

  • aumento brusco

    sudden increase

Similar words

repentino: Sudden change or event that happens without warning.
abrupto: Sudden break or interruption that cuts something off sharply.
seco: Short, curt reply or manner that sounds cold and unfriendly.
rudo: Rough, coarse behavior or manner that comes across as impolite.

Definition in Spanish

Que ocurre de modo repentino; aplicado al trato o al habla, que muestra rudeza o falta de delicadeza.

Word origin

The word originates in Italian brusco meaning 'sharp' or 'harsh', originally referring to taste or texture and later extending to sudden actions and curt, rough behavior.

Usage tips

  • When the meaning is only 'sudden', speakers often use repentino to avoid implying harshness or rudeness.

Other meanings

  • curtadjective
  • roughadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • bruscamentesuddenlyadverb
  • brusquedadcurtnessnoun

Word lists with this word