Inklingo

How to Say "eccentric" in Spanish

English → Spanish

excéntrico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'excéntrico' when describing a person or their behavior as unconventional or odd, but not necessarily in a negative or overly flamboyant way. It can also be a technical term in science.

Examples

Mi tío es un hombre muy excéntrico; siempre usa paraguas aunque no llueva.

My uncle is a very eccentric man; he always uses an umbrella even if it's not raining.

extravagante

/eks-tra-ba-GAN-teh//ekstɾaβaˈɡante/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'extravagante' to describe someone's style, habits, or personality as notably unusual, flashy, or over-the-top.
A friendly man wearing a giant colorful polka-dot hat and mismatched bright shoes, walking a balloon on a string.

Examples

Mi tía tiene un estilo muy extravagante y siempre usa pelucas de colores.

My aunt has a very quirky style and always wears colorful wigs.

Ese edificio tiene una arquitectura extravagante que no le gusta a todo el mundo.

That building has some eccentric architecture that not everyone likes.

Fue una fiesta extravagante con decoraciones de oro y animales exóticos.

It was a flamboyant party with gold decorations and exotic animals.

One word for everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for a man (un hombre extravagante) or a woman (una mujer extravagante) without changing the ending.

Placement for emphasis

If you put this word after the person or thing you are describing, you are focusing on that specific trait. For example, 'un vestido extravagante' highlights that the dress is particularly unusual.

The 'Expensive' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'extravagante' to mean 'expensive' like in some English contexts.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'extravagante' is about style or behavior being weird or showy. If you want to say something costs a lot of money, use 'caro' or 'costoso'.

Avoid 'Extravaganta'

Mistake: “Saying 'una chica extravaganta'.”

Correction: Even though 'chica' is feminine, the word 'extravagante' stays the same. Always use the -e ending.

lunático

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'lunático' when referring to someone or something as crazy, bizarre, or having wild, impractical ideas.

Examples

Tu hermano tiene una idea lunática para ganar dinero.

Your brother has a crazy idea to make money.

Excéntrico vs. Extravagante

Learners often confuse 'excéntrico' and 'extravagante'. Remember that 'excéntrico' is more about being unconventional, while 'extravagante' implies a more noticeable, perhaps flamboyant, unusualness in style or behavior.

Related Translations

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