How to Say “New” in Portuguese: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning a new language opens up an exciting world of possibilities and connections. When it comes to Portuguese, understanding how to express the concept of “new” is essential in daily conversations. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “new” in Portuguese, including helpful tips, examples, and even regional variations if required. Let’s dive in and broaden our Portuguese vocabulary!

Formal Ways to Say “New” in Portuguese

When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are some phrases to express “new” formally:

1. Novo(a) (singular), Novos(as) (plural) – This is the most common way to say “new” in Portuguese. For example:
   

   Tenho um novo emprego. (I have a new job.)

   Compramos novos móveis para a sala. (We bought new furniture for the living room.)

2. Inédito(a) (singular), Inéditos(as) (plural) – This term conveys a sense of novelty and uniqueness. It’s often used in formal contexts, such as art, literature, or scientific discoveries. For example:
   

   Ela publicou um livro inédito. (She published an unpublished book.)

   A empresa apresentou uma tecnologia inédita. (The company presented a new technology.)

3. Recente(s) – While not explicitly meaning “new,” “recente(s)” is commonly used to refer to something that has happened or been acquired recently. For example:
   

   Cometi um erro recente no trabalho. (I made a recent mistake at work.)

   Ganhei um relógio recente de presente. (I received a recent watch as a gift.)

Informal Ways to Say “New” in Portuguese

Informal language is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues in less formal settings. Here are some phrases to express “new” informally:

1. Novaço(a) (singular), Novaços(as) (plural) – This is an informal way to express “brand new” in Portuguese. It adds emphasis and excitement to the conversation. For example:
   

   Comprei um celular novaço. (I bought a brand new cellphone.)

   Ele tem um carro novaço! (He has a brand new car!)

2. Novinho(a)(s) – This is a colloquial term used mostly in Brazil to mean “brand new.” It’s widely used in informal conversations. For example:
   

   Ganhei um tênis novinho! (I received a brand new pair of sneakers!)

   Este é o meu notebook novinho! (This is my brand new notebook!)

3. Picante – This is a term borrowed from Brazilian slang to mean something is fresh, new, or exciting. It’s often used to describe events, music, or trends. For example:
   

   Essa festa será picante! (This party is going to be lit!)

   O álbum da banda é bem picante. (The band’s album is really fresh.)

Tips and Examples

Now that we have covered both formal and informal ways to say “new” in Portuguese, here are some additional tips and examples to help you incorporate these words into your conversations:

Tips:

• Pay attention to gender and number agreement. Portuguese nouns and adjectives change depending on whether they refer to a masculine/feminine noun or a singular/plural noun. For example, “nova” is used for feminine singular nouns, while “novos” is used for masculine plural nouns.
• Listen to native Portuguese speakers and observe how they use these words in context. This will deepen your understanding and help you sound more natural.
• Practice speaking and writing sentences using these words. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with them.

Examples:

To further illustrate the usage of these words, here are some examples showcasing formal and informal ways to say “new” in different contexts:

Formal:

• Este é um novo começo na minha vida. (This is a new beginning in my life.)
• A empresa lançou um produto inédito no mercado. (The company launched an unprecedented product in the market.)
• Estou fazendo um recente curso de idiomas. (I’m taking a recent language course.)

Informal:

• O filme que assisti ontem é muito novaço! (The movie I watched yesterday is so brand new!)
• Comprei uma blusa novinha na liquidação. (I bought a brand new blouse on sale.)
• Esse videogame é picante. (This video game is really fresh.)

Remember, language is constantly evolving, and regional variations may exist. It’s always beneficial to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and interact with native speakers to grasp the nuances and variations within the language.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights on how to say “new” in Portuguese. Practice, stay curious, and enjoy your journey of learning this beautiful language. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)