Étranger vs. inconnu
The French words 'étranger' and 'inconnu' both can refer to a person who is not known, but they carry different connotations and usages. Understanding the distinctions between these words can be useful for learners of French to communicate more precisely.
Étranger
Referring to someone from another country; a foreigner; or less commonly, someone unfamiliar or unknown.
Elle aime rencontrer des étrangers lors de ses voyages.
(She enjoys meeting foreigners during her travels.)
Cet homme semble étranger, je ne l'ai jamais vu dans notre village.
(This man seems like a stranger, I have never seen him in our village.)
Il travaille pour une entreprise étrangère.
(He works for a foreign company.)
Inconnu
Referring to someone unknown or unrecognized; often used to indicate a lack of personal acquaintance or familiarity with an individual.
Il y avait un appel d'un numéro inconnu.
(There was a call from an unknown number.)
Cette célébrité est devenue un visage inconnu après s'être retirée du monde du spectacle.
(This celebrity became an unknown face after retiring from the showbiz world.)
Dans la foule, je me suis senti comme un inconnu.
(In the crowd, I felt like a stranger.)
Summary
While 'étranger' is generally used to describe someone from another country or someone unfamiliar, indicating more of a geographical or social distance, 'inconnu' is more broadly used for anyone who is unrecognized or not personally known, suggesting anonymity or a lack of recognition within any given context. Both terms can be used for the concept of a 'stranger', but the precise application differs based on context.