Spanish Conversation · Level 158
29 words
Spanish word
improviso
Pronunciation
IPA/impɾoˈβiso/
Meaning
- adverbunexpectedly
Example
Llegó de improviso a la reunión.
He arrived at the meeting unexpectedly.
More examples
La lluvia empezó de improviso durante el recreo.
The rain started unexpectedly during recess.
El profesor preguntó de improviso durante la clase.
The teacher asked unexpectedly during class.
Core concept
A sudden, unprepared moment.
Common phrases
llegar de improviso
arrive unexpectedly
aparecer de improviso
appear unexpectedly
entrar de improviso
enter unexpectedly
Similar words
de repente: Occurs as a sudden, noticeable change in the situation.
inesperadamente: Occurs contrary to expectations or prior plans.
súbitamente: Happens extremely quickly, almost instantaneously.
Definition in Spanish
Señala que una acción tiene lugar sin aviso ni preparación y de modo inesperado.
Word origin
From Latin improvisus 'not foreseen', formed from the negative prefix in- plus provisus 'foreseen', and Spanish preserves the adverbial sense of acting without prior notice.
Usage tips
- Looks like English 'improvise' but Spanish uses improvisar for the verb and typically expresses the adverb with de improviso.
Other meanings
- suddenlyadverb
- by surpriseadverb
Opposites
- de antemanoin advanceadverb
- gradualmentegraduallyadverb
Related words
- improvisarimproviseverb
- improvisaciónimprovisationnoun
- improvisadoimprovisedadjective