nounnounadjective

el brusco

abrupt · sudden

Se dice de alguien o algo que actúa de manera repentina, sin suavidad ni delicadeza.

Brusco is a Spanish adjective commonly used to describe something or someone characterized by suddenness, sharpness, or roughness.

Meaning:

  1. Abrupt or sudden: When referring to actions, movements, or changes, "brusco" indicates something happening quickly and unexpectedly, often without gentleness.

    • Example: Un cambio brusco en el clima (A sudden change in the weather).
  2. Rude or blunt: When describing behavior or mannerisms, it implies a lack of politeness or tact; someone who is brusque tends to be curt or harsh in speech or action.

    • Example: Su respuesta fue brusca (His/her answer was abrupt/rude).

Word Parts:

  • Brusco by itself is an adjective. It does not break down into recognizable prefixes or suffixes with separate meanings in Spanish; its origin traces back to the Italian "brusco," meaning "sharp," "rough," or "sour."

Synonyms:

  • Abrupt (for sudden changes or movements)
  • Rudo (rough, harsh)
  • Descortés (rude, discourteous)
  • Seco (dry, curt)
  • Repentino (sudden)

Antonyms:

  • Suave (soft, gentle)
  • Amable (kind)
  • Delicado (delicate, gentle)
  • Tolerante (tolerant)
  • Lento (slow, in the case of suddenness)

Summary:

Brusco is an adjective describing something or someone fast, harsh, or abrupt in action or demeanor. Its tone can range from neutral descriptions of rapid change to negative judgments of rude behavior.

Make “brusco” part of your vocabulary.

Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

Su tono brusco sorprendió a todos.adjective

His abrupt tone surprised everyone.

El cambio brusco de temperatura nos sorprendió ayer.adjective

The sudden change in temperature surprised us yesterday.

Keep exploring Spanish

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).