Looking up...
not known or recognized; unfamiliar
这个地方对他来说很陌生。
This place is unfamiliar to him.
我们第一次见面，感觉有些陌生。
We felt a bit awkward when we first met.
Often used to describe people, places, or situations that are new or unknown to someone.
Avoid confusing '陌生' with '奇怪' (strange). '陌生' focuses on unfamiliarity, while '奇怪' implies something odd or puzzling.
Use '陌生' for neutral unfamiliarity (e.g., a new job) but '感到陌生' to emphasize emotional awkwardness (e.g., after a long separation).
The character '陌' (mò) originally meant 'a path between fields,' suggesting separation or distance, while '生' (shēng) means 'to be born' or 'life.' Together, they imply something 'newly encountered' or 'not part of one's life experience.'
Used to describe both concrete unfamiliarity (e.g., a new city) and social awkwardness (e.g., meeting someone for the first time). Can imply emotional distance in relationships.