Spanish word

misterioso

Pronunciation

IPA/misteˈɾjoso/

Meaning

  • adjectivemysterious

Example

Hay algo misterioso en esa casa.

There is something mysterious in that house.

Illustration for misterioso (mysterious)

More examples

Una persona misteriosa llamó al timbre anoche.

A mysterious person rang the doorbell last night.

Core concept

A half-open door that hides what is inside.

Common phrases

  • persona misteriosa

    mysterious person

  • lugar misterioso

    mysterious place

  • mensaje misterioso

    mysterious message

Similar words

extraño: Feels odd or unlike the usual, prompting puzzlement.
raro: Is uncommon or atypical, perceived as noticeably strange.
curioso: Invites curiosity and encourages closer inspection.
sospechoso: Appears suspicious, suggesting something hidden or dishonest.

Definition in Spanish

Que causa asombro o curiosidad por ser difícil de explicar o entender.

Word origin

The adjective comes from the noun misterio (from Latin mysterium) plus the suffix -oso, literally meaning full of mystery.

Usage tips

  • Native speakers often use parecer misterioso ('to seem mysterious') rather than es misterioso to avoid a firm assertion and to invite comment.

Other meanings

  • puzzlingadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • misteriomysterynoun
  • misteriosamentemysteriouslyadverb

Word lists with this word