inusual
/inuˈswal/
The English phrase "unusual" is translated into Spanish as inusual. Wiktionary also lists inusitado.
Meaning: not usual (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| inusual | /inuˈswal/ |
| inusitado | /inusiˈtado/ |
Which one should you use?
While inusual describes something that is simply not common, inusitado is a more formal term used to describe something that is unprecedented or extraordinary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective inusual must agree in number with the noun it modifies. For plural nouns, use inusuales.
How do you pronounce it?
/inuˈswal/
Did you know?
- Spanish has the word estrambótico for things that are not just unusual, but bizarrely flamboyant or eccentric.
- While inusual is a direct translation of 'unusual', Spanish speakers often prefer the word raro to describe something strange or uncommon in daily conversation.
- Because inusitado comes from the Latin 'ūsitātus', it connects the idea of being 'unusual' to the very concept of habit and practice.
Examples in context
- No vi nada inusual.I didn't see anything unusual.This sentence shows how to use inusual in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2987821 by hayastan, translation #2275922 by CK
- Pasó algo inusual anoche.Something unusual happened last night.This sentence demonstrates using inusual to describe a past event.Tatoeba #2154692 by hayastan, translation #2062892 by CK
- ¿Hay algo inusual en eso?Is there anything unusual about that?This sentence shows how to ask a question using inusual.Tatoeba #10625080 by babelpoint, translation #3287235 by CK
- La situación es poco común en esta regiónThe situation is uncommon in this region
- Este fenómeno es considerado atípico en esta áreaThis phenomenon is considered atypical in this area
- Es una coincidencia singularIt's a singular coincidence
- ¡Qué situación más rara!What a strange situation!
- Es muy extraño que no haya nadie en casaIt's very odd that there's nobody at home
- ¡Qué situación más insólita!What a bizarre situation!
- Es curioso que no haya asistido a la reuniónIt's unusual that he/she didn't attend the meeting
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a strange noise in the house.
- AlejandroEscuché un sonido inusual en la cocina.I heard an unusual sound in the kitchen.
- MaríaYo no escuché nada extraño, Alejandro.I didn't hear anything strange, Alejandro.
- AlejandroFue un ruido muy inusual, te lo juro.It was a very unusual noise, I swear.
- MaríaEstá bien, iré a revisar con tigo.Alright, I'll go check with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unusual” translations and entries inusual, inusitado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inusitado, inusual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
