Inklingo

How to Say "unfamiliar" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desconocido

des-koh-noh-SEE-doh/des.ko.noˈsi.ðo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'desconocido' when referring to a place, person, or thing that is completely unknown and has not been encountered before.
A winding dirt path leads into a dense, swirling white fog, completely obscuring what lies ahead, symbolizing the unknown.

Examples

Fuimos a una playa completamente desconocida.

We went to a completely unknown beach.

El origen de la señal sigue siendo desconocido.

The origin of the signal continues to be unknown.

Ella exploró tierras desconocidas en el mapa.

She explored unfamiliar lands on the map.

Making it Match

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'desconocido' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: use '-a' for feminine nouns (la casa desconocida), '-os' for masculine plural nouns, and '-as' for feminine plural nouns.

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “Vi una persona desconocido.”

Correction: Vi una persona desconocida. (Since 'persona' is a feminine noun, the adjective must end in -a.)

extraños

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'extraños' to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or not recognized as normal, often implying a sense of oddness or mystery.

Examples

Encontramos unos objetos extraños en el armario viejo.

We found some strange objects in the old closet.

nuevos

NWAY-vohs/ˈnweβos/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'nuevos' when referring to concepts, situations, or experiences that are new to someone, implying they are unfamiliar because they are recent or novel.
A small child standing at the edge of a dense, vibrant jungle path, looking forward with curiosity and slight apprehension at the unfamiliar surroundings.

Examples

Estos son desafíos nuevos que debemos enfrentar.

These are new challenges (unfamiliar ones) that we must face.

Hay nuevos gerentes en la oficina, no los conozco.

There are new managers (different people) in the office; I don't know them.

Las reglas son completamente nuevos para los estudiantes.

The rules are completely new (unfamiliar) for the students.

Position Changes Meaning

When 'nuevos' is placed after the noun (e.g., 'amigos nuevos'), it often means 'newly acquired' or 'newly changed.' If placed before ('nuevos amigos'), it usually means 'just another set of friends.'

Confusing 'desconocido' with 'nuevo'

Learners often confuse 'desconocido' (unknown) with 'nuevo' (new). Remember that 'desconocido' implies a lack of prior knowledge or recognition, while 'nuevo' simply means something is recent or hasn't been experienced before.

Related Translations

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