Estraneo vs. sconosciuto vs. straniero vs. forestiero
The Italian language has several words that can be translated as 'stranger' or 'unknown person' in English. However, each word has its own nuances and specific contexts where it's most appropriately used.
Estraneo
'Estraneo' refers to someone who is not part of a particular group, family, or situation. It emphasizes the outsider status of a person.
Non parlare con gli estranei.
(Don't talk to strangers.)
Lui è estraneo alla nostra famiglia.
(He is a stranger to our family.)
Sconosciuto
'Sconosciuto' is used for someone who is completely unknown, emphasizing the lack of familiarity or information about the person.
Ho ricevuto una chiamata da uno sconosciuto.
(I received a call from an unknown person.)
L'artista era sconosciuto fino a pochi anni fa.
(The artist was unknown until a few years ago.)
Straniero
'Straniero' typically refers to a foreigner or someone from a different country. It emphasizes nationality or cultural differences.
Molti stranieri visitano l'Italia ogni anno.
(Many foreigners visit Italy every year.)
Lei si sentiva straniera nel suo nuovo paese.
(She felt like a stranger in her new country.)
Forestiero
'Forestiero' is similar to 'straniero' but often implies someone from outside a specific local area, not necessarily from another country.
I forestieri sono ben accolti in questo piccolo villaggio.
(Outsiders are welcomed in this small village.)
Da forestiero, non conosceva bene le tradizioni locali.
(As an outsider, he wasn't familiar with the local traditions.)
Summary
While all these words can be translated as 'stranger', they each have distinct uses: 'estraneo' for someone outside a group, 'sconosciuto' for an unknown person, 'straniero' for a foreigner, and 'forestiero' for someone from outside a local area. Context is key in choosing the most appropriate term.