Inklingo

How to Say "unusual" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “unusual” is “diferente” — use 'diferente' when you want to say something is not the same as another thing or is not typical in a general sense.

diferente🔊A1

Use 'diferente' when you want to say something is not the same as another thing or is not typical in a general sense.

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inusual🔊B1

Choose 'inusual' for a general description of something that is not common or ordinary, without a strong negative or positive connotation.

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raras🔊A2

Use 'raras' (plural, feminine form of 'raro') when something is uncommon, strange, or odd, often implying a sense of peculiarity.

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original🔊B1

Employ 'original' when something is uncommon in a positive way, suggesting creativity, novelty, or a unique style.

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exóticoB1

Use 'exótico' to describe something strikingly different, often from a foreign place, and perceived as strange or fascinating.

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anormal🔊A2

Opt for 'anormal' when referring to something that deviates from what is considered normal, often in a medical or scientific context, implying it's not standard.

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insólitoB2

Choose 'insólito' for something extraordinary or unprecedented, often surprising because it's so out of the ordinary.

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excepcional🔊B2

Use 'excepcional' when something is rare, outstanding, or out of the ordinary, often implying a special or noteworthy circumstance.

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English → Spanish

diferente

dee-feh-REN-tehdifeˈɾente

adjectiveA1general
Use 'diferente' when you want to say something is not the same as another thing or is not typical in a general sense.
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.

inusual

ee-noo-SWAHLinuˈswal

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'inusual' for a general description of something that is not common or ordinary, without a strong negative or positive connotation.
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.

raras

RAH-rahsˈraɾas

adjectiveA2general
Use 'raras' (plural, feminine form of 'raro') when something is uncommon, strange, or odd, often implying a sense of peculiarity.
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-NALoɾixiˈnal

adjectiveB1general
Employ 'original' when something is uncommon in a positive way, suggesting creativity, novelty, or a unique style.
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.

exótico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'exótico' to describe something strikingly different, often from a foreign place, and perceived as strange or fascinating.

Examples

En el mercado venden muchas frutas exóticas.

In the market, they sell many exotic fruits.

anormal

ah-nor-mahla.noɾˈmal

adjectiveA2general
Opt for 'anormal' when referring to something that deviates from what is considered normal, often in a medical or scientific context, implying it's not standard.
A row of identical blue square blocks with one bright red round ball in the middle.

Examples

El doctor dijo que el resultado es anormal.

The doctor said the result is abnormal.

Hubo un crecimiento anormal de las plantas este año.

There was an abnormal growth of the plants this year.

Es una situación anormal para esta época del año.

It is an unusual situation for this time of year.

One Form for Everyone

This word doesn't change based on gender. You use 'anormal' for both masculine and feminine things (el clima anormal / la situación anormal).

Don't add an 'o' or 'a'

Mistake: “La situación es anormala.”

Correction: La situación es anormal. Words ending in 'l' in Spanish usually don't change to match masculine or feminine.

insólito

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'insólito' for something extraordinary or unprecedented, often surprising because it's so out of the ordinary.

Examples

Es un clima insólito para esta época del año.

It's unusual weather for this time of year.

excepcional

ex-sep-syo-NALeksepθjoˈnal

adjectiveB2general
Use 'excepcional' when something is rare, outstanding, or out of the ordinary, often implying a special or noteworthy circumstance.
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'.

Choosing between 'inusual' and 'raro/raras'

Learners often confuse 'inusual' and 'raro/raras.' While both mean not common, 'inusual' is a more neutral, general term. Use 'raro/raras' when you want to emphasize that something is strange, odd, or peculiar.

Related Translations

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