straniero
Lui è uno straniero in questa città.
He is a foreigner in this city.
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).