raras
“raras” means “strange” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
strange, unusual
Also: weird, odd
📝 In Action
Las luces en el cielo eran muy raras.
A2The lights in the sky were very strange.
Ella siempre tiene ideas raras para las fiestas.
B1She always has unusual ideas for parties.
Sus reacciones son raras; no sé qué le pasa.
B2Her reactions are odd; I don't know what's wrong with her.
rare, uncommon
Also: scarce
📝 In Action
Las oportunidades como estas son muy raras.
B1Opportunities like these are very rare.
En esta zona, las setas comestibles son raras.
B2In this area, edible mushrooms are uncommon.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "raras" in Spanish:
unusual→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: raras
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'raras' to mean 'scarce' or 'hard to find'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *rarus*, meaning 'sparse,' 'thinly scattered,' or 'uncommon.' This origin explains both the modern meanings: something sparse is rare (uncommon), and something uncommon is often considered strange.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.