desconocida
“desconocida” means “unknown” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
unknown, unfamiliar
Also: strange
📝 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.
stranger (female)
Also: unknown person (female)
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desconocida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'desconocida' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the Spanish verb 'desconocer' (to not know or recognize). This verb is built from 'des-' (a prefix meaning the opposite of, or un-) and 'conocer' (to know or be familiar with). Essentially, it means 'un-known.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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).