ella es rara
/eʝa es ɾaɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "she's weird" is translated as ella es rara.
This phrase is used to describe a woman or girl who behaves or looks in a way that is unusual or strange.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb changes the meaning of the phrase. Using ella es rara implies that being weird is a permanent trait or part of her personality. In contrast, saying ella está rara suggests a temporary state, meaning she is acting weird right now but it is not her normal personality.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase Es medio rara is used to mean "she's kind of weird". In Spain, the colloquial expression Es una persona rarita is used to emphasize oddity with an affectionate tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective rara must end in a to agree with the feminine subject ella.
How do you pronounce it?
/eʝa es ɾaɾa/
Did you know?
- While rara means 'weird' in this context, it is also the standard word for 'rare' or 'scarce' in Spanish.
- The pronoun ella descends from the Latin illa, which originally functioned as a demonstrative meaning 'that woman'.
- Depending on the region, ser raro can occasionally imply that someone is 'shady' or untrustworthy rather than just eccentric.
Examples in context
- Ella es rara, pero simpática.She's weird, but nice.
- No me gusta su ropa, ella es rara.I don't like her clothes, she's weird.
- Creo que ella es rara.I think she's weird.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about a new neighbor.
- Alejandro¿Viste a la vecina nueva?Did you see the new neighbor?
- SofíaSí, ella es rara.Yes, she's weird.
- AlejandroEs verdad, siempre camina sola.It's true, she always walks alone.
- SofíaSí, es muy extraña.Yes, she is very strange.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ella, es, rara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
