improvviso
/im.provˈvi.zo/
The Italian word for sudden is improvviso.
The word improvviso is an adjective used to describe something happening quickly and with little or no warning. To express the specific adverbial phrase "all of a sudden", use the prepositional phrase all'improvviso.
Meaning: happening quickly and with little or no warning (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, improvviso must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use improvvisa for feminine singular nouns, improvvisi for masculine plural nouns and improvvise for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /im.provˈvi.zo/.
Did you know?
- While improvviso means sudden, the related word improvvisazione describes the act of improvising, which is a cornerstone of the historic Italian 'Commedia dell'arte' theater.
- In common conversation, Italians might use di botto as a more colloquial, punchy alternative to all'improvviso to describe something happening with a bang.
- In Italian literature, an 'improvviso' can also refer to a specific type of short, spontaneous poetic verse or song.
Examples in context
- All'improvviso iniziò a piovere.All of a sudden it started raining.This sentence shows how to use the adverbial phrase improvviso.Tatoeba #1499640 by Guybrush88, translation #1153928 by belgavox
- Questo è piuttosto improvviso, vero?This is kind of sudden, isn't it?This sentence uses improvviso as an adjective to describe a situation.Tatoeba #5227895 by Guybrush88, translation #3731854 by CM
- È stato tutto abbastanza improvviso.It was all quite sudden.This sentence uses improvviso as an adjective to describe an event.Tatoeba #11668938 by Nuel, translation #11668936 by Nuel
- Ho avuto un attacco di tosse improvviso.I had a sudden coughing fit.
- L'aumento repentino delle temperature ci ha colti di sorpresa.The sudden rise in temperatures caught us by surprise.
- L'arrivo del treno è stato inaspettato.The arrival of the train was unexpected.
- Sono cadute delle gocce di pioggia di colpo.It suddenly started to rain.
- Giulia è arrivata d'improvviso al nostro incontro.Giulia showed up suddenly at our meeting.
- All'improvviso, si sono spente le luci.Suddenly, the lights went out.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing a recent change in plans.
- MatteoIl tuo addio è stato molto improvviso, Chiara.Your departure was very sudden, Chiara.
- ChiaraScusa, Matteo, non volevo lasciarti così.Sorry, Matteo, I didn't want to leave you like that.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, capisco la situazione.Don't worry, I understand the situation.
- ChiaraGrazie per la tua comprensione.Thank you for your understanding.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sudden” translations and entries improvviso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
