Signification
Used when something is unusual.
Contexte culturel
Italians use 'che strano' to maintain social harmony. Instead of saying 'I don't believe you' or 'You are lying', saying 'che strano' suggests that the *situation* is at fault, not the person. Deviating from food traditions (like putting ketchup on pasta) will almost certainly earn you a 'che strano' or a 'che orrore'. In some regions, 'strano' events are linked to the supernatural. A sudden chill or a bird entering the house might be met with a worried 'che strano'. The phrase is often paired with the 'mano a borsa' (hand purse) gesture, where the fingers are bunched together and moved up and down.
The Intonation Trick
Drag out the 'a' in 'straaaaano' to show you are really confused or suspicious.
Don't over-agree
If you use 'strana' for a feminine object, make sure you are using it in a full sentence, not just as a quick reaction.
Signification
Used when something is unusual.
The Intonation Trick
Drag out the 'a' in 'straaaaano' to show you are really confused or suspicious.
Don't over-agree
If you use 'strana' for a feminine object, make sure you are using it in a full sentence, not just as a quick reaction.
The Shrug
Pair 'che strano' with a shoulder shrug for maximum Italian authenticity.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct Italian reaction for: 'You see a cat driving a car.'
Vedi un gatto che guida una macchina. Cosa dici?
A cat driving a car is unusual/weird, so 'Che strano!' is the best reaction.
Complete the sentence with the missing word.
Non trovo il mio telefono. ___ strano!
In exclamations followed by an adjective, we use 'Che'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'strano'.
Situation: A friend who usually hates sports is suddenly watching a football match.
'Strano' means weird/unusual, which fits the friend's behavior.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Il treno è in anticipo di 20 minuti! B: ________!
Italian trains being early is very unusual, making 'Che strano' the perfect reaction.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Che strano!'
Objects
- • Missing keys
- • Broken phone
- • Wrong mail
People
- • Sudden silence
- • Unexpected visit
- • New look
Nature
- • Rain in desert
- • Pink sky
- • Summer snow
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVedi un gatto che guida una macchina. Cosa dici?
A cat driving a car is unusual/weird, so 'Che strano!' is the best reaction.
Non trovo il mio telefono. ___ strano!
In exclamations followed by an adjective, we use 'Che'.
Situation: A friend who usually hates sports is suddenly watching a football match.
'Strano' means weird/unusual, which fits the friend's behavior.
A: Il treno è in anticipo di 20 minuti! B: ________!
Italian trains being early is very unusual, making 'Che strano' the perfect reaction.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsOnly if you are referring to a specific feminine noun in a sentence, like 'Che strana storia'. As a quick reaction, always use 'Che strano'.
No, it's very neutral. However, calling a person 'strano' can be a bit mean, so use it for situations instead.
'Strano' is common and everyday. 'Bizzarro' is stronger, meaning 'eccentric' or 'very weird'.
You say 'Non è strano'.
Expressions liées
che peccato
similarwhat a pity
che bello
similarhow beautiful / great
che noia
similarhow boring
meno male
contrastthank goodness
roba da matti
specialized formcrazy stuff
