straniero
/ˈstra.nje.ro/Relating to or originating from a country other than one's own; foreign.
Un lavoratore straniero ha ottenuto il permesso di soggiorno.
A foreign worker has obtained a residence permit.
Can refer to people, things, or concepts from outside one's own country.
A person from another country or culture; foreigner.
Gli stranieri devono registrarsi alla polizia locale.
Foreigners must register with the local police.
Often used in administrative or legal contexts.
Collocations
Synonyms
💡Pro Tip
Gender and Number Agreement
'Straniero' is an adjective and changes form based on gender and number: straniero (m.sg.), straniera (f.sg.), stranieri (m.pl.), straniere (f.pl.). Example: 'un uomo straniero' (a foreign man), 'una donna straniera' (a foreign woman).
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Confusion with 'forestiero'
'Forestiero' often implies temporary or transient status (e.g., a tourist), while 'straniero' is more neutral and can refer to permanent residents or immigrants. Example: 'Un forestiero visita la città' (A tourist visits the city) vs. 'Un lavoratore straniero' (A foreign worker).
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'extrāneus' (external, foreign), via Vulgar Latin 'extrānearius'. The '-iero' suffix is a common Italian adjectival ending.
📝Usage Notes
Used for both people and things. In formal contexts (e.g., legal documents), 'straniero' is preferred over 'forestiero' for people. 'Estero' is used as a noun ('l'estero' = abroad) or adjective ('politica estera' = foreign policy).