Spanish Conversation · Level 74
60 words
Spanish word
imprevisto
Pronunciation
IPA/impɾeˈβisto/
Meaning
- adjectiveunexpected
Example
Sucedió algo imprevisto.
Something unexpected happened.
More examples
La salida se retrasó por un problema imprevisto.
The departure was delayed by an unexpected problem.
Core concept
A last-minute problem arising without prior notice.
Common phrases
problema imprevisto
unexpected problem
gasto imprevisto
unexpected expense
Similar words
inesperado: Occurs unexpectedly and cannot be predicted beforehand.
repentino: Occurs abruptly in a very short time with no warning.
Definition in Spanish
Que ocurre sin haberse previsto y que puede alterar lo planeado.
Word origin
Built from the negative prefix im- and previsto (from prever 'to foresee'), so it literally denotes 'not foreseen'.
Usage tips
- No written accent; in conversational Spanish speakers often say 'me surgió un imprevisto' to explain that something unexpected came up, so the verb surgir commonly collocates with this noun.
Other meanings
- contingencynoun
Opposites
- previsibleforeseeableadjective
Related words
- imprevistamenteunexpectedlyadverb