How to Say "unexpected" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “unexpected” is “inesperado” — use 'inesperado' when referring to something that was not anticipated, often implying a pleasant surprise, like unexpected guests or news..
inesperado
/in-es-pe-RAH-doh//inespeˈɾaðo/
Examples
Su visita fue totalmente inesperada, ¡qué alegría!
His visit was totally unexpected, what a joy!
La tormenta inesperada arruinó nuestros planes de picnic.
The unexpected storm ruined our picnic plans.
Recibimos una llamada inesperada del hospital.
We received an unexpected call from the hospital.
Gender and Number Match
As an adjective, 'inesperado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'un evento inesperado' (masculine singular), 'una llamada inesperada' (feminine singular), 'regalos inesperados' (masculine plural).
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: “La sorpresa fue inesperado.”
Correction: La sorpresa fue inesperada. (Since 'sorpresa' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
repentino
/reh-pen-TEE-noh//repenˈtino/
Examples
Hubo un cambio repentino en el clima.
There was a sudden change in the weather.
Sintió un dolor repentino en la pierna.
He felt a sudden pain in his leg.
Su decisión fue muy repentina.
Her decision was very sudden.
Matching Gender and Number
The word changes to 'repentina' for feminine words (la idea repentina) and adds an 's' for plurals (cambios repentinos).
Word Order
This word usually comes after the person or thing you are describing, like 'un ruido repentino' (a sudden noise).
Confusing 'Repentino' with 'De Repente'
Mistake: “Saying 'Fue muy de repente' to mean 'It was very sudden.'”
Correction: Use 'repentino' when you need an adjective to describe a noun. Use 'de repente' when you want to say 'suddenly' (the action happened fast).
Inesperado vs. Repentino
Related Translations
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