mi novio
/mi nobjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my boyfriend" is translated into Spanish as mi novio.
mi novio is used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word novio can be used for both a boyfriend and a fiancé, though the context usually clarifies the level of commitment.
Which one should you use?
While mi novio is the standard way to say "my boyfriend", mi pareja means "my partner" and is a more formal or gender-neutral way to refer to a romantic partner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the phrase mi pololo is used to refer to a boyfriend or partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase to "my girlfriend", change the masculine noun novio to the feminine novia.
Did you know?
- The word novio is rooted in the concept of being 'new', tracing back to the Latin word novus, which is the same ancestor for the English word 'novel'.
- When referring to a groom at a wedding, Spanish uses the word el novio, meaning the man is a 'boyfriend' until the ceremony is complete.
- In many Spanish-speaking societies, calling someone mi novio can imply a much more serious relationship than the English 'my boyfriend' might suggest, often hovering near the stage of engagement.
Examples in context
- Él no es mi novio.He's not my boyfriend.This sentence is useful for clarifying that someone is not your boyfriend using mi novio.Tatoeba #1962964 by teskmon, translation #1935032 by Spamster
- Tom no es mi novio.Tom isn't my boyfriend.This sentence is useful for clarifying that Tom is not your boyfriend using mi novio.Tatoeba #2734305 by Shishir, translation #2645845 by CK
- Mi novio está llorando.My boyfriend is crying.This sentence is useful for describing that your boyfriend is crying using mi novio.Tatoeba #5056536 by don_ramon, translation #1815755 by Spamster
- Mi novio me llevó a cenar ayer.My boyfriend took me out to dinner yesterday.
- ¿Has conocido a mi chico?Have you met my boyfriend?
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is introducing her partner to her friend Mateo at a cafe.
- ElenaMateo, te presento a mi novio.Mateo, I would like to introduce you to my boyfriend.
- MateoMucho gusto, es un placer conocerte.Nice to meet you, it is a pleasure to meet you.
- ElenaÉl es muy amable conmigo.He is very kind to me.
- MateoSe nota que eres muy feliz con él.It shows that you are very happy with him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, novio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
