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raras

/RAH-rahs/

strange

A storybook illustration showing three identical red apples lined up neatly. Standing among them is one bright blue object shaped like a star, visually representing something strange or peculiar.

When something is raras, it is strange, odd, or peculiar.

raras(Adjective)

fA2

strange

?

odd or peculiar

,

unusual

?

not common or typical

Also:

weird

?

informal

,

odd

?

peculiar

📝 In Action

Las luces en el cielo eran muy raras.

A2

The lights in the sky were very strange.

Ella siempre tiene ideas raras para las fiestas.

B1

She always has unusual ideas for parties.

Sus reacciones son raras; no sé qué le pasa.

B2

Her reactions are odd; I don't know what's wrong with her.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • extrañas (strange)
  • inusuales (unusual)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cosas raras – strange things

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'raras' describes plural, feminine nouns (like 'chicas' or 'situaciones'), it must end in '-as'. If the noun were masculine plural (e.g., 'libros'), you would use 'raros'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: "Vi unas cosas rara en el mercado."

Correction: Vi unas cosas raras en el mercado. (The adjective must match the plural noun 'cosas'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'raras' usually comes after the noun it describes: 'situaciones raras' (strange situations).

A storybook illustration of a long telephone wire populated by many identical gray pigeons. Among the large flock, there is only one single bird, a vibrant pink flamingo, symbolizing how rare it is.

If something is raras, it means it is rare and not often found or seen.

raras(Adjective)

fB1

rare

?

not often found or seen

,

uncommon

?

infrequent occurrence

Also:

scarce

?

in short supply

📝 In Action

Las oportunidades como estas son muy raras.

B1

Opportunities like these are very rare.

En esta zona, las setas comestibles son raras.

B2

In this area, edible mushrooms are uncommon.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • escasas (scarce)
  • infrecuentes (infrequent)

Antonyms

  • abundantes (abundant)
  • frecuentes (frequent)

Common Collocations

  • especies raras – rare species

💡 Grammar Points

Context Clues

When 'raras' describes things that are few in number (like 'oportunidades' or 'especies'), it means 'rare' or 'scarce.' When it describes behavior or appearance, it means 'strange' (Definition 1).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: raras

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'raras' to mean 'scarce' or 'hard to find'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'raras' and 'extrañas'?

They are often interchangeable. 'Raras' is usually used more broadly for anything unusual, while 'extrañas' often implies something foreign, unfamiliar, or particularly unsettling, but the difference is subtle and context-dependent.

Can 'raras' be used to describe people?

Yes. When used to describe a group of women or feminine-gendered nouns (like 'chicas' or 'personas'), it means they are eccentric, quirky, or behave unusually.