Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| inesperado | /i.nes.peˈɾa.du/ (Brazil) /i.neʃ.peˈɾa.du/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
| inusual |
The term 'unusual' can be expressed through several different Portuguese words depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey. While inesperado carries the specific sense of something being 'unexpected' or 'unforeseen', you can use Incomum for a neutral and widely understood way to describe something atypical or uncommon.
Which one should you use?
While both inesperado and inusual can be translated as 'unusual', inesperado specifically implies that something was unexpected or unforeseen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the term Esquisito is used often and has a slightly stronger connotation of oddness or suspiciousness. Additionally, in Brazil, the term Bizarro is often used informally to describe something incredibly strange or outlandish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective inesperado must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use inesperada for feminine nouns, inesperados for masculine plural nouns and inesperadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
inesperado is pronounced /i.nes.peˈɾa.du/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- While bizarro means 'unusual' or 'strange' in modern Portuguese, it originally described something brave or gallant in older literary contexts.
- Depending on the region, esquisito can shift from meaning 'unusual' to meaning 'picky' or 'fastidious', especially when referring to a person's eating habits.
- The word inesperado is built from the prefix in- and the word esperado, which comes from the verb esperar, meaning both 'to wait' and 'to hope'.
Examples in context
- O clima nesta região é incomum para essa época do ano.The weather in this region is unusual for this time of year.
- Presenciei um incidente insólito enquanto caminhava pela rua.I witnessed an unusual incident while walking down the street.
- Eu tive um sonho estranho essa noite.I had a weird dream last night.
- Aquela resposta foi bem diferente, não achas?That answer was quite unusual, don't you think?
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are discussing a strange noise in the office.
- FelipeVocê ouviu esse barulho inesperado?Did you hear that unusual noise?
- MarianaSim, eu ouvi agora mesmo.Yes, I heard it just now.
- FelipeParece vir do corredor.It seems to be coming from the hallway.
- MarianaVamos ver o que é, Felipe.Let's see what it is, Felipe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unusual” translations and entries inesperado, inusual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
