Tengo novia
/tenɡo nobja/from spelling rules
To say "i have a girlfriend" in Spanish, you use Tengo novia.
The phrase Tengo novia is used to state that you are in a relationship. You can also say Tengo una novia to mean I have a girlfriend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tengo (I have) and the noun novia (girlfriend).
Which one should you use?
Tengo novia is the standard way to express the status of being in a relationship. In contrast, Tengo una novia can sound more like you are identifying a specific individual.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, you may hear Tengo una polola to mean I have a girlfriend. In Mexico, the phrase Tengo una chava is used, while in Peru, you might hear Tengo una pata.
How does it change in a sentence?
While Tengo novia is the standard way to state your relationship status, adding the indefinite article una to say Tengo una novia is grammatically correct but often implies you are introducing a specific person rather than stating a status.
Did you know?
- While novia means 'girlfriend', it is also the standard word used for 'bride' in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
- The word novia comes from the Latin word nova, which literally means 'new'.
- In many Spanish speaking cultures, a novia can be either a girlfriend or a fiancée. The distinction is often made by adding the word prometida for a formal engagement.
Examples in context
- ¿Por qué no tengo novia?Why don't I have a girlfriend?Tatoeba #2246824 by Shishir, translation #2240392 by Hybrid
- Tengo novia.I have a girlfriend.Tatoeba #9736886 by Shishir, translation #1969242 by CK
- "Tal vez no sea rico, pero al menos tengo novia", dijo Tom."I may not be rich, but at least I have a girlfriend," said Tom.Tatoeba #1526206 by marcelostockle, translation #1526169 by Spamster
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their dating lives at a cafe.
- Sofía¿Estás soltero, Mateo?Are you single, Mateo?
- MateoNo, tengo novia.No, I have a girlfriend.
- Sofía¡Qué bueno! ¿Cómo se llama ella?That's great! What is her name?
- MateoSe llama Elena y es muy simpática.Her name is Elena and she is very nice.
Sources
- 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.
