desconocido
“desconocido” means “unknown” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
unknown, unfamiliar
Also: strange, unheard of
📝 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.
stranger
Also: unknown (entity)
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desconocido
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'desconocido' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Desconocido' is built from three parts: the negative prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'not'), the verb 'conocer' (to know or be familiar with), and the past participle ending '-ido'. It literally means 'not known' or 'un-known'.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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).