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How to Say "unusual" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “unusual” is “inusual” — use this for a general description of something that is not common or expected in a typical situation..

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inusual

/ee-noo-SWAHL//inuˈswal/

adjectiveB1general
Use this for a general description of something that is not common or expected in a typical situation.
A simple colorful storybook illustration showing a bright green field populated by a large group of fluffy white sheep. One single sheep is colored vibrant purple, standing out dramatically from the rest of the flock.

Examples

Fue inusual que el jefe llegara tarde a la reunión.

It was unusual for the boss to arrive late to the meeting.

El clima de hoy es completamente inusual para esta época del año.

Today's weather is completely uncommon for this time of year.

Recibimos una queja inusual sobre el servicio.

We received an unusual complaint about the service.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Since 'inusual' ends in an 'L', it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing (e.g., 'el evento inusual' or 'la situación inusual'). However, you must add '-es' for plural: 'eventos inusuales'.

Confusing Placement

Mistake: “La inusual visita.”

Correction: La visita inusual. Usually, 'inusual' goes after the thing it describes. If you put it before the noun, it sounds more literary or formal.

diferente

/dee-feh-REN-teh//difeˈɾente/

adjectiveA1general
Choose this when the primary meaning is 'not the same as' or 'distinct from' something else, implying a difference rather than just being uncommon.
A row of three identical bright red apples, with a single bright yellow banana placed among them, illustrating the concept of 'not the same'.

Examples

Mi coche es diferente al tuyo.

My car is different from yours.

Ella tiene una perspectiva muy diferente.

She has a very different perspective.

Este sabor es diferente, pero me gusta.

This flavor is different, but I like it.

One Form for Masculine & Feminine

Diferente is easy to use because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's el coche diferente (the different car) and la casa diferente (the different house). You only add an '-s' for plural things: casas diferentes.

Connecting with 'a' or 'de'

To say 'different from' or 'different to', you can use either diferente a or diferente de. Both are correct and widely used. For example, Mi opinión es diferente a la tuya.

Placement After the Noun

For this meaning ('not the same'), diferente usually comes after the thing it describes. For example, Quiero un teléfono diferente (I want a different phone).

Forgetting the Plural '-s'

Mistake: “Tenemos idea diferentes.”

Correction: Tenemos ideas diferentes. Just like most describing words, you need to add an '-s' when you're talking about more than one thing.

raras

RAH-rahs/ˈraɾas/

adjectiveA2general
Use this to describe something as strange, odd, or not commonly seen or encountered.
A storybook illustration showing three identical red apples lined up neatly. Standing among them is one bright blue object shaped like a star, visually representing something strange or peculiar.

Examples

Las luces en el cielo eran muy raras.

The lights in the sky were very strange.

Ella siempre tiene ideas raras para las fiestas.

She always has unusual ideas for parties.

Sus reacciones son raras; no sé qué le pasa.

Her reactions are odd; I don't know what's wrong with her.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'raras' describes plural, feminine nouns (like 'chicas' or 'situaciones'), it must end in '-as'. If the noun were masculine plural (e.g., 'libros'), you would use 'raros'.

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Vi unas cosas rara en el mercado.”

Correction: Vi unas cosas raras en el mercado. (The adjective must match the plural noun 'cosas'.)

original

oh-ree-hee-NAL/oɾixiˈnal/

adjectiveB1general
Employ this when 'unusual' means unique, novel, or not derived from something else, often with a positive connotation of creativity.
Four identical white sheep standing in a line in a green field, with one sheep uniquely wearing a bright red top hat, illustrating creativity and uniqueness.

Examples

Su estilo de pintura es muy original y fácil de reconocer.

Her painting style is very unique and easy to recognize.

Me encanta el regalo, es un detalle muy original.

I love the gift, it's a very creative/thoughtful detail.

excepcional

/ex-sep-syo-NAL//eksepθjoˈnal/

adjectiveB2formal
Select this when 'unusual' implies something rare, extraordinary, or deviating from the norm due to special circumstances, often for something important.
A single bright blue flower growing in a field of plain white flowers.

Examples

Debido a la tormenta, tomamos la medida excepcional de cerrar la escuela.

Due to the storm, we took the unusual measure of closing the school.

Es un caso excepcional; normalmente no permitimos esto.

It is an exceptional case; normally we don't allow this.

Plural Form

To make this word plural, add '-es' to the end: 'casos excepcionales'.

Inusual vs. Raras vs. Diferente

Learners often confuse 'inusual' (general unusual), 'raras' (strange/odd), and 'diferente' (different/not the same). Remember that 'inusual' is the most direct translation for simply being uncommon. Use 'raras' when something feels odd or strange, and 'diferente' when the focus is on one thing being unlike another.

Related Translations

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