rara
/RRA-rah/
strange
Something that is strange or unusual is 'rara'.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Since 'rara' ends in 'a', it is the feminine form. You must use it only when describing feminine nouns (like 'mujer,' 'casa,' 'idea'). For masculine nouns, use 'raro'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Raro/a and Extraño/a
Mistake: "Using 'extraña' when you mean 'rare' (like a collector's item)."
Correction: While both mean 'strange,' 'rara' is often preferred for things that are literally hard to find or uncommon (Definition 2), while 'extraña' focuses more on the feeling of being unfamiliar or foreign.
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement
Like most descriptive words, 'rara' usually comes after the noun it describes: 'una persona rara' (a strange person).
If something is rare or scarce, it is described as 'rara'.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'rara' is used with things that are collected, like stamps or coins, or with biological species, it almost always means 'rare' (hard to find), not 'strange' (odd).
When referring to an eccentric person (female), the term 'rara' can mean 'weirdo'.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective to Noun
In Spanish, you can often use a descriptive word like 'rara' as a noun by placing the article 'la' or 'una' in front of it, meaning 'the strange one' or 'a strange person.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
Calling someone 'la rara' is often negative or slightly insulting, implying they are socially awkward or overly eccentric. Use it primarily among close friends or when discussing someone critically.
✏️ 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
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).