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cizinec — meaning in English: stranger
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cizinec
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'cizinec' when referring to someone who is not from their country, especially in social settings such as parties or festivals where different cultures mingle. It can also come up in formal discussions about immigration or tourism, where the concept of 'stranger' plays a significant role in understanding societal dynamics.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'cizinec' directly translates to 'stranger', another word, 'neznámý', means 'unknown person' and can imply a different context, often with an emphasis on anonymity. You would choose 'cizinec' when discussing nationality or foreignness, while 'neznámý' might be used in more mysterious or unfamiliar situations.
Culture
'Cizinec' stems from the Czech root 'cizí', which means 'foreign' or 'alien'. This term encapsulates a long-standing cultural narrative in the Czech Republic about the notion of belonging versus being an outsider, reflecting historical periods of both openness and isolation, particularly during the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Cold War.
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