How to Say "outsider" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “outsider” is “extraño” — use 'extraño' when referring to someone unknown to you or a group, a stranger in the general sense.
extraño
Examples
Un extraño me preguntó la hora en la calle.
A stranger asked me for the time on the street.
forastero
fo-ras-TEH-rofoɾasˈteɾo
Examples
En este pueblo pequeño, todos saben quién es el forastero.
In this small town, everyone knows who the stranger is.
El forastero pidió una habitación en la posada.
The outsider asked for a room at the inn.
No solemos ver a muchos forasteros por estos caminos.
We don't usually see many newcomers on these roads.
Describing People
This word is a 'naming word' (noun) that points to a man. If you want to talk about a woman, you change the 'o' to an 'a' (forastera).
Town vs. Country
Use this word when someone is from a different town or region, not necessarily a different country.
Forastero vs. Extranjero
Mistake: “Using 'extranjero' to describe someone from the next village over.”
Correction: Use 'forastero' for someone from another town; 'extranjero' is strictly for someone from another country.
tercero
tehr-SEH-rohteɾˈseɾo
Examples
No podemos revelar esa información a un tercero.
We cannot reveal that information to a third party.
Llamaron a una tercera para que mediara en la disputa.
They called a third person (feminine) to mediate the dispute.
Referring to People
When used as a noun, 'tercero' refers to any person or entity outside the main two involved, and it must still match the gender of that person (tercero for a man, tercera for a woman).
extranjera
eks-trahn-HEH-raheks.tɾan.ˈxe.ɾa
Examples
La nueva vecina es una extranjera de Francia.
The new neighbor is a foreigner from France.
Como extranjera, ella tiene una perspectiva diferente.
As a foreigner, she has a different perspective.
Referring to People
Use 'una extranjera' when talking about one specific woman. If you are talking about a man, use 'un extranjero'.
Stranger vs. Foreigner
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