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extranjero

ehx-trahn-HEH-roh/eks.tɾaŋˈxe.ɾo/

“extranjero” means “foreign” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

foreign

Also: overseas, external
A vibrant red Japanese torii gate standing alone in a simple, generic green field under a blue sky, illustrating something foreign to the setting.

📝 In Action

Mi hermana estudia un idioma extranjero.

A2

My sister studies a foreign language.

La inversión extranjera es importante para la economía.

B1

Foreign investment is important for the economy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • productos extranjeros – foreign products
  • país extranjero – foreign country

foreigner

Also: stranger, visitor from abroad
NounmA2
A cartoon figure wearing a large red backpack and holding a folded map stands on a city street, clearly appearing to be a tourist or visitor.

📝 In Action

El extranjero tuvo que mostrar su visa en la aduana.

A2

The foreigner had to show his visa at customs.

Conocí a una extranjera muy amable en el tren.

A2

I met a very kind foreigner (female) on the train.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hablar con un extranjero – to talk to a foreigner
  • documentos del extranjero – foreigner's documents

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "extranjero" in Spanish:

external→foreign→foreigner→overseas→stranger→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: extranjero

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'extranjero' as an adjective?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
extranjera(female foreigner; foreign (f.)) — Noun / Adjective
extranjería(foreign affairs office; foreign status) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Old Spanish 'estranjero,' which itself developed from the Latin word *extraneus*, meaning 'outside' or 'external.' It describes someone who is outside the local group or country.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: estrangeiroFrench: étranger

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'extranjero' a polite word to use?

Yes, 'extranjero' (foreigner) is a neutral and standard term. It simply states that a person is not a native of the country. It is not considered offensive.

What is the difference between 'extranjero' and 'extraño'?

'Extranjero' means someone is from another country (foreign). 'Extraño' means strange, unusual, or weird. Be careful not to confuse them!