nuevo
/ˈnwebo/
The English word "new" is translated into Spanish as nuevo.
The primary way to say something is recently made or created is using nuevo. You may also encounter moderno, which primarily means "modern" but can imply something is new when referring to something up-to-date or contemporary. To ask "What's new?" or "What's up?" in a social context, use the idiomatic phrase ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Meaning: recently made or created (adj)
Which one should you use?
The placement of nuevo relative to a noun changes its nuance. When placed before a noun, it often implies a replacement (for example, mi nuevo coche can mean the car that replaced your old one). Placing it after the noun emphasizes that the object is brand new or completely unused.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word flamante is occasionally used 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 nuevo for masculine singular nouns, nueva for feminine singular nouns, nuevos for masculine plural nouns and nuevas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnwebo/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word estrenar for the act of using or wearing something nuevo for the very first time.
- The expression de nuevo means 'again', using the concept of 'new' to describe a repetition of an event.
- The word flamante can describe something brand new, but it literally comes from the word for 'flaming', suggesting the object is shining like a fire.
Examples in context
- Es un nuevo día.It's a brand new day.This sentence shows how to use nuevo to describe a new day.Tatoeba #1731004 by marcelostockle, translation #1729577 by naXa
- Es un nuevo cine.It's a new movie theater.This sentence shows how to use nuevo to describe a new movie theater.Tatoeba #2258979 by cueyayotl, translation #2258978 by _undertoad
- ¿Qué hay de nuevo?What's new?This sentence shows the idiomatic use of nuevo in the question "What's new?"Tatoeba #795930 by Shishir, translation #25029 by CK
- El libro nuevo.The new book.
- La casa nueva.The new house.
- Este es un desarrollo reciente en la industria.This is a recent development in the industry.
- ¿Has visto mi camiseta nueva?Have you seen my new t-shirt?
- ¡Mira mis zapatillas nuevecitas!Look at my brand-new sneakers!
- Esa empresa tiene una propuesta de negocios muy novedosa.That company has a very innovative business proposal.
- Compré un coche flamante.I bought a brand-new car.
- 1131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel shows María his recent purchase.
- María¿Es ese un reloj nuevo?Is that a new watch?
- DanielSí, es un reloj nuevo.Yes, it is a new watch.
- MaríaTe queda muy bien.It looks very good on you.
- DanielGracias, María.Thanks, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new” translations and entries nuevo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
