Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| novia | /ˈnobja/ | feminine |
| polola | /poˈlola/ | feminine |
| jerma | /xeɾma/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, feminine |
| flaca | /ˈflaka/ | feminine |
| jeva | /ˈxeba/ | Latin America, feminine |
| geba | /xeba/ (from spelling rules) | Puerto Rico, feminine |
The primary way to refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship is using the term novia. Depending on the context, this word can mean either 'girlfriend' or 'fiancée'.
Which one should you use?
While novia is the standard term, it carries the dual meaning of 'girlfriend' and 'fiancée' depending on the stage of the relationship. For a more neutral or formal way to say 'partner', you may use pareja.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Novia is the standard term. In various parts of Latin America, the slang term jeva is used colloquially to mean girlfriend or girl. In Puerto Rico, the slang geba is also used. For a formal way to indicate a partner, use pareja.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the standard term for girlfriend is polola. In Peru, the term jerma is used. In Puerto Rico, geba is a colloquial form, while jeva is a slang term used throughout Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, change the ending of novia to novias to mean 'girlfriends'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnobja/
Did you know?
- The term flaca, which literally means 'skinny woman', is used in some Latin American countries as an affectionate pet name for a girlfriend regardless of her actual weight.
- The word novia shares the same Latin root as the English word 'new', as it originally signified a woman who is 'new' to a household.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone your novia implies a committed relationship, whereas in English 'girlfriend' can sometimes refer to a casual date.
Examples in context
- No soy tu novia.I'm not your girlfriend.This sentence is useful for practicing the negative form of novia.Tatoeba #1937267 by marcelostockle, translation #1935173 by Spamster
- No sos mi novia.You're not my girlfriend.This sentence shows how to use novia in a different dialect or conjugation.Tatoeba #5051082 by don_ramon, translation #2545042 by CK
- Ella es mi novia.She is my girlfriend.This sentence shows how to use novia in a simple declarative statement.Tatoeba #451714 by Shishir, translation #312168 by CK
- Permítame presentarles a mi novia, María.Allow me to introduce you to my girlfriend, María.
- ¿Dónde está mi novia?Where is my girlfriend?
- Soy el novio más afortunado de tener a mi enamorada a mi lado.I am the luckiest boyfriend to have my girlfriend by my side.
- 300 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking at a coffee shop.
- Alejandro¿Viene tu novia con nosotros?Is your girlfriend coming with us?
- MaríaNo, mi novia se queda en casa.No, my girlfriend is staying at home.
- AlejandroEntiendo, ella debe estar cansada.I understand, she must be tired.
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, ella tuvo un día largo.Yes, Alejandro, she had a long day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girlfriend” translations and entries novia, polola, flaca, jeva, 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 novia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
