desconocida
/des-koh-no-see-dah/
unknown
Visualizing "unknown" (desconocida) as a strange, unidentifiable object in a familiar place.
desconocida(Adjective)
unknown
?unidentified, not previously encountered
,unfamiliar
?not known or recognized
strange
?as in, 'unfamiliar or new'
📝 In Action
La ruta que tomamos era completamente desconocida para el conductor.
A2The route we took was completely unknown to the driver.
Descubrieron una nueva especie de flor desconocida en el bosque.
B1They discovered a new, unknown species of flower in the forest.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since this is the feminine form, you must use it with feminine nouns (like 'casa' or 'ciudad'): 'la casa desconocida'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: "La problema desconocido."
Correction: The word 'problema' is masculine, so you must say 'El problema desconocido'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Paired with 'ser' or 'parecer'
It often follows the verb 'ser' (to be) or 'parecer' (to seem) to describe the unfamiliar nature of something: 'La noticia es desconocida'.
This image represents "stranger (female)" (desconocida), an unknown woman.
desconocida(Noun)
stranger (female)
?an unknown woman
unknown person (female)
?an unidentified woman
📝 In Action
Una desconocida llamó a la puerta preguntando por mi madre.
B1A stranger knocked on the door asking for my mother.
La policía buscaba a una desconocida que fue vista cerca del lugar del crimen.
B2The police were looking for an unknown woman who was seen near the crime scene.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective to Noun
When you put a definite or indefinite article (like 'la' or 'una') in front of the adjective, it becomes a noun, referring to the person herself: 'la desconocida' (the unknown woman).
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to groups
If you are talking about a mixed group of unknown people, you would use the masculine plural: 'los desconocidos'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desconocida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'desconocida' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'desconocida' y 'extraña'?
Both can mean 'stranger' (female). 'Desconocida' focuses on the fact that you simply don't know the person. 'Extraña' often implies the person is not only unknown but also behaving oddly or seems foreign.
Can I use 'desconocida' to describe a feeling?
Yes. You can describe a feeling or emotion as 'desconocida' if it is something you have never experienced or recognized before. For example, 'Sintió una alegría desconocida' (She felt an unknown joy).