How to Say "obscure" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “obscure” is “oscuro” — use 'oscuro' when referring to something that is unclear, vague, or difficult to comprehend, like a complex idea or a confusing writing style..
oscuro
oh-SKOO-roh/osˈkuɾo/
Examples
El significado de esa frase es demasiado oscuro para mí.
The meaning of that sentence is too obscure for me.
El autor tiene un estilo de escritura muy oscuro, difícil de seguir.
The author has a very obscure (or complex) writing style, difficult to follow.
La historia de su pasado es bastante oscura y nadie sabe la verdad.
The story of his past is quite obscure/vague, and nobody knows the truth.
Las oscuras motivaciones del villano nunca fueron claras.
The villain's obscure motivations were never clear.
Figurative Use
When 'oscuro' refers to difficulty or complexity, it describes abstract ideas (like a concept, a memory, or an intention) instead of just physical spaces. It keeps the same agreement rules as the literal meaning.
desconocidos
/des-koh-noh-SEE-dohs//deskonoˈsiðos/
Examples
Los exploradores llegaron a lugares desconocidos para la civilización.
The explorers arrived at places unknown to civilization.
Exploraron territorios desconocidos por meses.
They explored unknown territories for months.
Sus motivos son desconocidos para nosotros.
Their motives are unknown to us.
Matching the Noun
Since this is an adjective, it has to match the plural thing it's describing. If you are describing plural masculine things (like 'caminos'), use 'desconocidos'.
Confusing 'Unknown' with 'Unclear'
Related Translations
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