desconocido
/des-koh-noh-SEE-doh/
unknown
When used as an adjective, desconocido means 'unknown,' like a path leading into the mist.
desconocido(Adjective)
unknown
?General lack of knowledge
,unfamiliar
?Not recognized
strange
?Area, place
,unheard of
?Idea or concept
📝 In Action
Fuimos a una playa completamente desconocida.
A2We went to a completely unknown beach.
El origen de la señal sigue siendo desconocido.
B1The origin of the signal continues to be unknown.
Ella exploró tierras desconocidas en el mapa.
B2She explored unfamiliar lands on the map.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it Match
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'desconocido' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: use '-a' for feminine nouns (la casa desconocida), '-os' for masculine plural nouns, and '-as' for feminine plural nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: "Vi una persona desconocido."
Correction: Vi una persona desconocida. (Since 'persona' is a feminine noun, the adjective must end in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser vs. Estar
Use 'ser' (es desconocido) to describe something that is inherently unknown (e.g., the author of an old book). Use 'estar' (está desconocido) less often, usually to mean someone looks different or unrecognizable.
As a noun, desconocido refers to a 'stranger' or an unknown person.
desconocido(Noun)
stranger
?Unknown person
unknown (entity)
?Figurative reference to an unknown factor
📝 In Action
Un desconocido llamó a la puerta y preguntó por ti.
A2A stranger knocked on the door and asked for you.
La desconocida dejó un mensaje antes de irse.
B1The unknown woman left a message before leaving.
Prefiero no hablar con desconocidos en la calle.
B1I prefer not to talk to strangers on the street.
💡 Grammar Points
The Noun Form
When used as a noun, 'desconocido' acts like a person: 'el desconocido' (the male stranger) or 'la desconocida' (the female stranger). You must use the matching article (el/la) and pluralize (los/las desconocidos/as).
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Context
When referring to an unknown person in a formal context (like a police report), it is common to use 'el/la desconocido/a' to maintain neutrality and focus on their lack of identification.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desconocido
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'desconocido' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desconocido' related to the verb 'desconocer'?
Yes! 'Desconocido' is the past participle of the verb 'desconocer' (to be unaware of or not recognize). In this entry, we focus on its common use as a regular adjective or noun, but its meaning comes directly from the verb.
How do I know whether to use 'desconocido' or 'extraño'?
Use 'desconocido' when you specifically mean 'unknown' or 'unfamiliar' (you haven't met the person or been to the place). Use 'extraño' when you mean 'strange,' 'weird,' or 'odd' (the object or person is behaving unusually).