strano
Lemma: strano
Translation: strange; odd; weird; unusual; peculiar; bizarre (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'extraneus' meaning 'external, foreign, from outside', which is also the source of English 'strange', 'estrange', and 'extraneous'. The root 'extra-' means 'outside' or 'beyond'. The word evolved from describing something foreign or from outside one's experience to something that seems odd or unusual because it doesn't fit normal patterns.
Example Usage
Che strano comportamento!
What strange behavior!
Mi sembra strano che non sia ancora arrivato.
It seems strange to me that he hasn't arrived yet.
Hai una strana idea di divertimento.
You have a strange idea of fun.
C'è un odore strano in questa stanza.
There's a strange smell in this room.
È una persona strana ma simpatica.
He's a strange but nice person.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'strange' in English - they sound similar and mean the same thing.
- Remember 'extra' (outside) + 'neo' (new) = something outside normal experience.
- Picture a 'stranger' - someone unfamiliar and potentially strange.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in everyday Italian conversation. The concept of 'strano' can range from mildly unusual to completely bizarre, depending on context and tone. Italians often use this word to comment on behaviors or situations that deviate from social norms.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'strano' means 'strange' or 'odd', 'straniero' means 'foreigner' or 'foreign'. They share the same Latin root 'extraneus', but evolved to have different meanings.
Confused word:
Lui è uno straniero in Italia.
He is a foreigner in Italy.
Notes: Both words derive from the concept of something or someone from outside, but 'strano' focuses on the unusual quality while 'straniero' focuses on the foreign origin.
Mnemonic: 'Strano' ends with 'o' like 'odd'; 'straniero' ends with 'ero' like 'foreigner'.
Explanation: 'Strano' means 'strange/odd' while 'estraneo' means 'stranger/outsider/unrelated'. 'Estraneo' is closer to the original Latin meaning of 'external'.
Notes: Both words come from Latin 'extraneus', but 'estraneo' retained more of the original meaning of 'external' or 'foreign'.
Mnemonic: 'Estraneo' contains 'extra' which can remind you of 'extra person' or outsider.