novo
/ˈno.vu/
The English word 'new' is translated into Portuguese as novo.
novo is used to describe something that was recently made or created. In certain contexts, it can also imply that something is 'different' from what existed before. To distinguish between something that is 'new' (recently made) and something that is 'used' (previously owned), Portuguese speakers typically use novo for the former and usado for the latter. For more specific nuances, inédito(a) is used in formal contexts like art, literature or scientific discoveries to convey a sense of novelty and uniqueness, while recente(s) is commonly used to refer to something that has occurred or been acquired recently.
Meaning: recently made or created (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term novinho(a)(s) is a colloquial way to say 'brand new' and is used mostly in Brazil. While novo is the standard term, inédito(a) is a more formal choice used for unique or unprecedented things.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term novinho(a)(s) is primarily used in Brazil to mean 'brand new'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use nova for feminine singular nouns, novas for feminine plural nouns, novos for masculine plural nouns and novo for masculine singular nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of novo is /ˈno.vu/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain Brazilian dialects, novinho can be used as a playful or flirtatious term for a young man, moving far beyond the literal meaning of 'brand new'.
- When describing a person's age, placing novo before the noun emphasizes youth, while placing it after the noun can imply they are a 'new' addition to a group.
- Portuguese has a distinct word, estréia, for a 'new' first appearance, such as a movie's first day in theaters.
Examples in context
- Que há de novo?What's new?This sentence shows how to use novo in the common greeting 'What's new?'Tatoeba #1377210 by tulio, translation #25029 by CK
- O livro é novo.The book is new.This sentence demonstrates using novo to describe a book.Tatoeba #5108729 by Ricardo14, translation #2002523 by bichodebola
- É um novo livro.It's a new book.This sentence shows novo as an attributive adjective before a noun.Tatoeba #1122551 by alexmarcelo, translation #871646 by ColinG
- Tenho um novo emprego.I have a new job.
- Compramos novos móveis para a sala.We bought new furniture for the living room.
- Ela publicou um livro inédito.She published an unpublished book.
- A empresa apresentou uma tecnologia inédita.The company presented a new technology.
- Cometi um erro recente no trabalho.I made a recent mistake at work.
- Comprei um celular novaço.I bought a brand new cellphone.
- Ele tem um carro novaço!He has a brand new car!
- Ganhei um tênis novinho!I received a brand new pair of sneakers!
- Este é o meu notebook novinho!This is my brand new notebook!
- 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.
- Comprei uma blusa novinha na liquidação.I bought a brand new blouse on sale.
- 1335 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are looking at a car in a dealership.
- CamilaEste carro é muito novo.This car is very new.
- FelipeSim, é um modelo novo.Yes, it is a new model.
- CamilaO design dele é lindo.Its design is beautiful.
- FelipeEle parece ser muito confortável.It looks very comfortable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new” translations and entries novo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
