(ふうが)わり

ふうがわり
na-adjective
unusual; eccentric; unconventional
1. unusual; eccentric; unconventional; peculiar
Noticeably different from the norm in a way that seems strange or quirky. Can describe people, things, or ideas.
風変(ふうが)わりな(ひと)だね。
What an eccentric person.
風変(ふうが)わりな名前(なまえ)のレストランを()つけた。
I found a restaurant with an unusual name.
(かれ)風変(ふうが)わりな趣味(しゅみ)()っていて、(ふる)地図(ちず)(あつ)めている。
He has an unusual hobby — he collects old maps.

Literally means "changed in style/manner" ((ふう) = style/manner + ()わり = changed). Describes something that deviates from the norm, but without the strongly negative connotation that "strange" or "weird" might carry. Often implies mild curiosity or amusement.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 風変(ふうが)わりな(ひと): an eccentric person
  • 風変(ふうが)わりな趣味(しゅみ): an unusual hobby
  • 風変(ふうが)わりな建物(たてもの): an unconventional building
  • 風変(ふうが)わりな(かんが)え: an unconventional idea

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (へん): strange, odd — more blunt, can be negative
  • 独特(どくとく): unique, distinctive — more neutral or positive
  • 奇妙(きみょう): bizarre, peculiar — stronger sense of strangeness
  • ユニーク: unique — loanword, generally positive