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soudain

suddenly

adverb adjective soo-DAN Less Common
Time Time Expressions

Also means

sudden (adjective)

Usage Note

Soudain functions most often as an adverb meaning 'suddenly' in narrative writing, where it lends a dramatic shift in action. As an adjective it precedes nouns (un soudain changement — a sudden change). The synonym soudainement is more formal; tout à coup is the everyday spoken equivalent.

Examples

"Soudain, il s'arrêta de parler."

Natural Translation

Suddenly, he stopped talking.

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