Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| καινούργιος | kainoúrgios | /ceˈnuɾ.ʝos/ |
| νέος | néos | /ˈne.os/ |
Both words are used to describe something recently made or created. While they are often used interchangeably, a common pattern exists: νέος is more frequently used for people in new roles, whereas καινούργιος is more common for physical objects.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on the nuance of 'new' you wish to convey. Use νέος when referring to something that has recently arrived, been appointed or is a recent version of something, such as a new coach. Use καινούργιος when emphasizing that something is brand new, unused or freshly manufactured, such as a brand new car.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies. For example, καινούργια is the neuter plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of καινούργιος is /ceˈnuɾ.ʝos/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word καινούργιος is etymologically related to the English suffix '-urgy' as seen in 'theurgy', both stemming from the Greek root for 'work'.
- While νέος means 'new', it is also the primary word used to describe someone as 'young' in age.
- The word νέος is a direct ancestor of the English prefix 'neo-', used in words like 'neoclassical' or 'neonate'.
Examples in context
- Έχει βελτιώσει την ποιότητα της ομάδας ο νέος προπονητής;Has the new coach improved the team's quality?The sentence using νέος shows how to describe a person in a new professional role.Tatoeba #5405166 by Zeus, translation #5243389 by Muelisto
- Ευτυχισμένος ο καινούργιος χρόνος!Happy New Year!The sentence using καινούργιος is used for the common greeting 'Happy New Year!'
- Είμαι ο καινούργιος δάσκαλος.I'm the new teacher.The sentence using καινούργιος demonstrates its use when introducing oneself in a new role.Tatoeba #3228250 by biber, translation #1891148 by CK
- Έχω μια νέα ιδέα για το επόμενο έργο μας.I have a new idea for our next project.
- Αυτή είναι η νέα ανακοίνωση της εταιρείας μας.This is the new announcement from our company.
- Έχετε δει το νέο αυτόματο σύστημα;Have you seen the new automated system?
- Είδες το καινούργιο εστιατόριο. Το φαγητό είναι εξαιρετικό!Have you seen the new restaurant? The food is excellent!
- Ετοιμάζομαι για το καινούργιο ταξίδι μου στο εξωτερικό.I'm getting ready for my new trip abroad.
- Το νέο μου κινητό είναι πολύ γρήγορο!My new phone is very fast!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are looking at a piece of furniture in a shop.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι καινούργιος αυτός ο καναπές;Ine kainourgios aftos o kanapes;Is this sofa new?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι καινούργιος και πολύ άνετος.Nai, ine kainourgios kai poly annetos.Yes, it is new and very comfortable.
- Νίκος NikosΜου αρέσει πολύ ο καινούργιος σχεδιασμός του.Mou aresei poly o kainourgios schediasmos tou.I really like its new design.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι όντως πολύ μοντέρνος.Ine ontos poly modernos.It is truly very modern.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new” translations and entries καινούργιος, νέος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καινούργιος, νέος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
