Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| recién estrenado | /reθjen estɾenado/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /resjen estɾenado/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| sin estrenar | /sin estɾenaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| flamante | /flaˈmante/ |
| nuevo de paquete | /nwebo de pakete/ (from spelling rules) |
| nuevo de fábrica | /nwebo de fabɾika/ (from spelling rules) |
Spanish offers several ways to express that something is utterly new, depending on whether you want to emphasize that it has just been used for the first time, that it is unused or that it is in its original factory condition. You can also use more colloquial expressions to describe objects in excellent condition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase recién estrenado literally means 'recently premiered' or 'recently used for the first time'. The phrase nuevo de paquete literally translates to 'new from the package'.
Which one should you use?
Use sin estrenar specifically for items that have never been used or opened. In contrast, recién estrenado implies the item has just been used for the first time. To emphasize that an item is in its original condition straight from the manufacturer, use nuevo de fábrica. For a more colorful way to say something is brand new, you can use the colloquial nuevo de paquete, which is similar to saying something is 'mint' or 'straight out of the box'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Flamante is a formal adjective often used for vehicles to convey they are new and in excellent condition. On the other hand, nuevo de paquete is a colloquial way to express the same idea. If you are speaking informally about objects in excellent condition, you might also use nuevecito or nuevecita.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective flamante is invariable in gender, so it remains the same whether you are describing a masculine or a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθjen estɾenado/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the concept of 'premiering' a movie to describe wearing new clothes. If you wear a new shirt for the first time, you are estrenando the garment.
- The adjective flamante shares its roots with the English word 'flaming' and the Latin 'flamma'. While it means 'brand new' or 'splendid' in Spanish, its literal connection is to something that is shining or glowing like a flame.
Examples in context
- Tengo un chirrido en mi flamante coche nuevo, y ¿crees que puedo encontrar de dónde viene?I've got a squeaking noise in my brand new car, and do you think I can find where it's coming from?This sentence is useful for describing a flamante car.Tatoeba #5143415 by albrusgher, translation #2879458 by patgfisher
- Este automóvil es totalmente nuevoThis car is brand new
- El vestido que compré está nuevo a estrenarThe dress I bought is brand new
- Ofrecemos un auto flamante en nuestra concesionariaWe offer a brand new car at our dealership
- ¡Compré un auto cero kilómetros!I bought a brand new car with zero kilometers!
- ¡Mira mi teléfono, es nuevecito!Look at my phone, it's brand new!
- He comprado un par de zapatos nuevos a estrenar, ¿quieres verlos?I bought a pair of brand new shoes, do you want to see them?
- ¡El restaurante que abrieron en el centro es totalmente nuevo y tiene un menú delicioso!The restaurant they opened downtown is completely brand new and has a delicious menu!
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking at a new car in the driveway.
- JavierMira mi coche recién estrenado, Lucía.Look at my brand new car, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Es precioso! Me encanta el color.It's beautiful! I love the color.
- JavierGracias, todavía huele a nuevo.Thanks, it still smells new.
- LucíaTienes que llevarme a dar un paseo.You have to take me for a ride.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brand new” translations and entries flamante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, estrenar, flamante, nuevo, paquete, recién, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
