Straniero vs. forestiero
The Italian words 'straniero' and 'forestiero' both refer to foreigners, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Straniero
'Straniero' is the more common and general term for a foreigner. It refers to someone from a different country or nationality.
Ho incontrato uno straniero al bar.
(I met a foreigner at the bar.)
Lei studia le lingue straniere all'università.
(She studies foreign languages at the university.)
Il governo ha nuove politiche per gli stranieri.
(The government has new policies for foreigners.)
Forestiero
'Forestiero' is a less common term that often implies someone from outside a specific local area, not necessarily from another country. It can have a slightly more traditional or literary connotation.
I forestieri sono benvenuti nel nostro piccolo villaggio.
(Outsiders are welcome in our small village.)
Da forestiero, non conosceva le tradizioni locali.
(As an outsider, he didn't know the local traditions.)
Il ristorante era pieno di forestieri durante la stagione turistica.
(The restaurant was full of non-locals during the tourist season.)
Summary
While 'straniero' is the more common term for a foreigner from another country, 'forestiero' often refers to someone from outside a local area and can be used in more traditional or regional contexts. 'Straniero' is used in broader, national, or international contexts, while 'forestiero' is more likely to be used in local or regional settings.