brusco
“brusco” means “sudden” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sudden
Also: abrupt, sharp
📝 In Action
El conductor hizo un giro brusco para evitar el bache.
A2The driver made a sudden turn to avoid the pothole.
Hubo un cambio brusco en el clima esta tarde.
B1There was an abrupt change in the weather this afternoon.
No hagas movimientos bruscos si te duele la espalda.
B1Don't make any sudden movements if your back hurts.
rude
Also: gruff, curt
📝 In Action
Perdona si fui un poco brusco por teléfono.
B1Sorry if I was a bit curt/rude on the phone.
Él tiene un carácter brusco, pero es un buen hombre.
B2He has a gruff personality, but he is a good man.
Recibió una respuesta brusca y se sintió mal.
B2She received a blunt reply and felt bad.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: brusco
Question 1 of 3
If a car stops so fast that your coffee spills, how was the stop?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Late Latin word 'bruscus,' which referred to a type of prickly shrub (butcher's broom). Over time, the meaning shifted from the prickly feeling of the plant to describing 'prickly' or rough behavior and sudden movements.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'brusco' always mean 'rude'?
No. While it can mean rude or blunt, it very often just describes a physical movement that is sudden and lacks smoothness, like a sharp turn.
How is it different from 'rápido'?
'Rápido' means fast. 'Brusco' means sudden or without warning. You can drive fast ('rápido') in a straight line without being 'brusco,' but a 'brusco' turn is always sudden and jarring.
Can I use 'brusco' for weather?
Yes! A 'cambio brusco de temperatura' is a common phrase for when the weather suddenly turns from hot to cold.