What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun circunstancias (circumstances) and the adjective imprevistas (unforeseen/unpredicted).
Which one should you use?
While circunstancias imprevistas is a standard way to express this, you may use eventualidades imprevistas to place more emphasis on the unexpected nature of the events or situaciones inesperadas to communicate the same general notion of unforeseen circumstances.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use causas de fuerza mayor to indicate unforeseen circumstances, which is equivalent to the English term force majeure.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because circunstancias is a feminine plural noun, the adjective imprevistas must also be in the feminine plural form to agree with it. If you need to refer to a single unforeseen circumstance, use the singular form circunstancia imprevista, where both the noun and the adjective are feminine singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/θiɾkunstanθjas impɾebistas/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word previsión is used for both the human quality of 'foresight' and the daily 'weather forecast'.
- The noun circunstancia is derived from the Latin word for 'standing around', visualizing the conditions that surround a person.
- In professional Spanish, the adjective imprevistos can be used as a standalone noun to mean 'unexpected problems' or 'surprises'.
Examples in context
- Debido a circunstancias imprevistas, la reunión de esta noche ha sido cancelado hasta próximo aviso.Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's meeting has been cancelled until further notice.This sentence shows how to use circunstancias imprevistas to explain a meeting cancellation.Tatoeba #1270926 by marcelostockle, translation #1269313 by eastasiastudent
- Debido a circunstancias imprevistas, nuestro viaje a las montañas de este fin de semana será suspendido.Due to unforeseen circumstances, our trip to the mountains this weekend will be cancelled.This sentence uses circunstancias imprevistas to explain why a trip was suspended.Tatoeba #1416738 by marcelostockle, translation #1415707 by CS
- No podemos garantizar la entrega por circunstancias imprevistas.We cannot guarantee the delivery due to unforeseen circumstances.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Javier explains why he is late to María.
- MaríaJavier, ¿por qué tardaste tanto?Javier, why are you so late?
- JavierLo siento, María, surgieron circunstancias imprevistas en el tráfico.I'm sorry, María, unforeseen circumstances arose with the traffic.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, yo también acabo de llegar.Don't worry, I just arrived too.
- JavierGracias por ser tan comprensiva.Thank you for being so understanding.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
