Meaning
sudden, unexpected
- unexpected, sudden, unforeseen, untimely
In a sentence
Un rumore improvviso mi ha fatto paura.
A sudden noise scared me.
Perché questo cambio improvviso di programma?
Why this sudden change of plans?
Non mi piacciono le visite improvvise la sera.
I don't like unexpected visits in the evening.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| improvviso | masculine · singular |
| improvvisa | feminine · singular |
| improvvisi | masculine · plural |
| improvvise | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Before a singular masculine noun, it usually becomes improvviso: un improvviso cambiamento. Feminine/plural forms stay regular: improvvisa, improvvisi, improvvise.
- Use with nouns for events or changes. For adverbs, use all'improvviso or improvvisamente, not *improvviso by itself.
- Compared with repentino, improvviso is more neutral and common. Repentino often sounds more literary or technical, especially with physical changes.