plötsligt

Plötsligt is a Swedish adverb meaning suddenly or abruptly, used to indicate that an event happens with little or no warning and in a short time. It commonly modifies the main verb and can also introduce a clause at the beginning of a sentence to create a sense of abruptness. Examples include Plötsligt började det regna and Hon stannade plötsligt mitt i gången. It is also used to describe changes in state or perception, as in Det blev plötsligt tyst.

Etymology and form: plötsligt is derived from the adjective plötslig, meaning sudden or abrupt. The adverb form is created by the suffix -t, a standard way Swedish turns adjectives into adverbs. The word has long been part of standard Swedish and is common in both everyday speech and written language.

Usage notes: Plötsligt often conveys a strong moment of change or surprise and is valued for its concise, vivid effect. It can be placed before the verb for emphasis (Plötsligt började det regna) or later in the clause (Regnet började, plötsligt). While generally neutral, it carries a sense of abruptness that distinguishes it from more neutral synonyms like oväntat (unexpected) or plötsligt nog (surprisingly). In literary styles, it is frequently used to create cinematic pacing or a sudden turn in narration.

Related terms: plötslig is the related adjective; phrases such as plötsligt nog are common to intensify the sense of surprise.