estrafalario
/estɾafaˈlaɾjo/
The Spanish word for quirky is estrafalario.
estrafalario is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is given to quirks or idiosyncrasies.
Meaning: given to quirks or idiosyncrasies (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use estrafalaria for a feminine singular noun, estrafalarios for a masculine plural noun and estrafalarias for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/estɾafaˈlaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word estrafalario is believed to come from the Sicilian word strafalariu, which is linked to the verb strafari meaning 'to overdo'.
- Because estrafalario sounds quite grand, it is sometimes used ironically to describe someone who thinks they are being sophisticated but actually looks ridiculous.
- While estrafalario describes someone 'quirky', it often carries a stronger connotation of being 'eccentric' or 'outlandish' in appearance than the English 'quirky' does.
Examples in context
- El Director General tiene un estilo de vida bastante eccéntrico.The CEO has a rather quirky lifestyle.
- Es un hombre estrafalario.He is a quirky man.
- Tiene un estilo estrafalario.She has a quirky style.
- Ese es un hombre muy estrafalario.That is a very quirky man.
- Me gusta su estilo estrafalario.I like his quirky style.
- No seas tan estrafalario con la ropa.Don't be so quirky with your clothes.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at a piece of modern art.
- ElenaMira este cuadro, es muy estrafalario.Look at this painting, it's very quirky.
- JavierSí, pero tiene mucha personalidad.Yes, but it has a lot of personality.
- Elena¿Tú comprarías algo así, Javier?Would you buy something like that, Javier?
- JavierNo, es demasiado raro para mí.No, it's too weird for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry estrafalario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estrafalario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
