The word "ajeno" in Spanish is used to describe something that belongs to or is characteristic of someone or something else, not one's own. It is often used to denote something foreign, strange, or unfamiliar. This word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts in Spanish.
Example Sentences
¡No toques mis cosas, eso es ajeno!
Do not touch my things, that is foreign!
Me sentí ajeno a la conversación porque no conocía a nadie.
I felt like an outsider in the conversation because I didn't know anyone.
Los idiomas extranjeros me resultan ajenos y difíciles de aprender.
Foreign languages seem strange and difficult for me to learn.
Idiomatic Expressions
Hacerse el sueco
Meaning: To play dumb or act like you don't understand.
Example: Cuando le pregunté por qué no llegó a tiempo, se hizo el sueco.
When I asked him why he didn't arrive on time, he played dumb.
Dar el brazo a torcer
Meaning: To give in or admit defeat.
Example: Finalmente, dio el brazo a torcer y aceptó la derrota.
Finally, he gave in and accepted defeat.
Echar raíces
Meaning: To settle down in a place.
Example: Después de tantos cambios, por fin logré echar raíces en este país.
After so many changes, I finally managed to settle down in this country.
Etymology
The word "ajeno" comes from the Latin word "alienus," which means "belonging to another" or "belonging to another country."