bruscamente
“bruscamente” means “abruptly” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
abruptly
Also: suddenly, sharply
📝 In Action
El conductor frenó bruscamente para evitar el gato.
B1The driver braked abruptly to avoid the cat.
La temperatura bajó bruscamente al atardecer.
B1The temperature dropped sharply at sunset.
El avión cambió de dirección bruscamente.
B2The plane changed direction suddenly.
brusquely
Also: rudely, curtly
📝 In Action
Me contestó bruscamente y cerró la puerta.
B2He answered me brusquely and closed the door.
No me hables tan bruscamente, por favor.
B2Don't speak to me so rudely, please.
Terminó la llamada bruscamente sin decir adiós.
C1She ended the call curtly without saying goodbye.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bruscamente
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence describes a car stopping too fast?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the adjective 'brusco' combined with the suffix '-mente'. 'Brusco' originates from the Latin word 'bruscus', which was a type of prickly shrub (butcher's broom), suggesting something rough or sharp to the touch.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'bruscamente' always have an accent mark?
No. Adverbs ending in '-mente' only keep an accent if the original adjective had one (like 'rápidamente' from 'rápido'). Since 'brusca' has no accent, 'bruscamente' doesn't either.
Can I use 'de repente' instead?
'De repente' means 'suddenly' (timing), while 'bruscamente' adds the feeling of being 'rough' or 'harsh' (manner). They are often interchangeable, but 'bruscamente' is more descriptive of the physical force.
Is it formal or informal?
It is neutral. You can use it in a police report about a car accident or while telling a story to a friend about a rude waiter.