Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| curioso | /kuˈɾjoso/ | |
| tener curiosidad | /teneɾ kuɾjosidad/ (from spelling rules) | verb |
The adjective curioso is used to describe someone who is tending to ask questions or who wants to explore and investigate. It can also be used to describe an object or situation as being strange or odd. To express the temporary feeling of wanting to know something specific, you can use the verbal phrase tener curiosidad.
Which one should you use?
While curioso can mean inquisitive, it can also mean strange or odd when describing an object or situation. Use the adjective curioso to describe a personality trait of being an inquisitive person, but use the verbal phrase tener curiosidad to express a temporary feeling of curiosity about a specific matter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective curioso must agree in gender with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form curiosa for feminine subjects and the masculine plural form curiosos when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈɾjoso/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, curioso can describe an object that is meticulously crafted or 'curated', reflecting the original Latin meaning of 'care'.
- Spanish speakers may use curioso to describe a coincidence that feels slightly suspicious or improbable.
- The Spanish word curioso shares an etymological root with the English word 'care', as both descend from Latin roots related to 'taking care' or 'tending to'.
Examples in context
- Tan solo soy curioso.I'm just curious.This sentence is useful for practicing the adjective curioso.Tatoeba #1666527 by marcelostockle, translation #1654215 by Spamster
- Soy tan curioso como tú.I'm just as curious as you.Tatoeba #7742385 by arh, translation #11217732 by ddnktr
- Él era demasiado curioso.He was too curious.Tatoeba #1287513 by marcelostockle, translation #1055447 by CM
- El científico se mostraba interesado en los nuevos descubrimientos.The scientist displayed curiosity towards the new discoveries.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a mysterious old box.
- Mateo¿Qué crees que hay adentro, Sofía?What do you think is inside, Sofía?
- SofíaNo lo sé, pero soy muy curiosa.I don't know, but I am very curious.
- MateoYo también, así que vamos a abrirlo.Me too, so let's open it.
- Sofía¡Qué curioso es este objeto!How curious this object is!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “curious” translations and entries curioso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries curiosidad, curioso, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
