rara
“rara” means “strange” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
strange, weird
Also: peculiar
📝 In Action
La decisión que tomó fue muy rara.
A1The decision she made was very strange.
Esa canción es un poco rara, pero me gusta.
A2That song is a little weird, but I like it.
Tiene una manera de hablar muy rara.
B1She has a very peculiar way of talking.
rare
Also: uncommon
📝 In Action
Esta moneda es una pieza muy rara de encontrar.
B1This coin is a very rare piece to find.
La lluvia de meteoritos es una vista rara en esta zona.
B2The meteor shower is a rare sight in this area.
weirdo
Also: oddball
📝 In Action
Mi hermana es la rara de la familia, siempre va vestida de negro.
B2My sister is the oddball of the family; she always wears black.
No hagas caso a esa chica, es una rara.
C1Don't pay attention to that girl, she's a weirdo.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rara
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'rara' to mean 'scarce' (hard to find) rather than 'strange' (odd)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'rara' comes from the Latin word *rarus*, which meant 'sparse,' 'thinly scattered,' or 'widely spaced.' This original meaning naturally led to the Spanish meaning of 'uncommon' or 'rare,' and later developed the sense of 'strange' or 'unusual.'
First recorded: 13th century (in its Latin root sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'rara' and 'extraña'?
Both mean 'strange' or 'unusual.' 'Rara' is often stronger, emphasizing eccentricity, oddness, or sometimes scarcity. 'Extraña' is generally used for things that feel foreign, unfamiliar, or just slightly weird. In many everyday contexts, they are interchangeable, but 'rara' is the only one that carries the meaning of 'rare' (scarce).
Can I use 'rara' as an adverb?
Not usually. If you want to say something is done 'rarely' or 'strangely,' you should use the adverb form: 'raramente' (rarely, strangely). For example, 'Ella canta raramente' (She rarely sings).