French word

étrange

Pronunciation

IPA/etʁɑ̃ʒ/

Meaning

  • adjectivestrange

Example

C'est étrange.

That's strange.

Illustration for étrange (strange)

More examples

Je trouve ça étrange.

I find that strange.

Core concept

An unexpected detail that creates mild surprise, puzzlement, or a sense that something is not quite normal.

Common phrases

  • trouver étrange

    find strange

  • avoir l'air étrange

    look strange

  • quelque chose d'étrange

    something strange

Similar words

bizarre: Extremely strange, causing a strong sense of unease.
inattendu: Not expected to happen and therefore surprising.
surprenant: Remarkable for causing surprise and attracting attention.

Definition in French

Qui suscite de l'étonnement parce qu'il diffère de ce qu'on attend.

Word origin

Étrange derives from Old French estrange and ultimately Latin extraneus, 'outside' or 'foreign', linking difference from the familiar with strangeness.

Usage tips

  • In C'est étrange, the expression commonly conveys mild surprise or unease, while tone determines whether it sounds merely curious or more critical.

Other meanings

  • oddadjective
  • mysteriousadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word