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differences between strange and unfamiliar
I often use maps, especially when I am traveling to some unfamiliar(strange) cities.
In this sentence, which one should I choose? strange or familiar?
I want to express that I am not familiar with the city and the city is like a stranger to me.
6 nov. 2014 14:12
Réponses · 6
In your sentence, use "unfamiliar." "Unfamiliar" is always neutral and emotion-free. "Strange" has a range of meanings but usually carries a slight negative connotation--surprising, bizarre, slightly wrong, slightly "off," slightly eerie, slightly creepy. It means you are UNCOMFORTABLE.
If I were to say "this chicken salad tastes strange," a likely reply would be "let me smell it, maybe we should throw it out." If I were to say "my computer is acting strangely," a like reply would be "better run a virus scan."
If I say "I am a stranger in this city," that's a neutral statement of fact, and someone who lives there might say "Can I help you find your way?"
If I say "this city is strange," the answer from a native might be a defensive "Strange? STRANGE? In what way?"
6 novembre 2014
Unfamiliar means something you are not familiar with. This could be used for anywhere you haven't been before, or somewhere you don't feel familiar/comfortable.
Strange can be used to describe a place you are familiar with, but feel is unusual or odd in some way. It can also be used to describe people or objects.
E.g. I am very familiar with my school. It's a very strange place because everything is upside down.
6 novembre 2014
I recommend "unfamiliar". You can say also "strange" in a synonymous way to "unfamiliar" but sometimes "strange" means "weird" . If you choose "unfamiliar", you will avoid this ambiguity.
6 novembre 2014
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噜噜
Compétences linguistiques
Chinois (mandarin), Anglais
Langue étudiée
Anglais
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