novato
/noˈbato/
The English phrase 'noob' can be translated into Spanish as novato. If unsure, use novato. Wiktionary also lists noob.
Meaning: newbie (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| novato | /noˈbato/ | |
| noob | /noob/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
The term is used to describe a newbie or a novice. While novato is the standard term, you may also encounter the slang word Pringao or Pringada to describe someone as a 'loser' or 'unskilled'.
Which one should you use?
novato is the standard Spanish term for a novice or beginner and is used in both professional and casual contexts. In contrast, noob is a direct loanword from English used specifically in gaming and internet slang, often carrying a more derogatory or mocking tone than novato.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard term novato changes to novata when referring to a female beginner. However, the loanword noob is often used without gender inflection in casual digital speech, though it can be preceded by un or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/noˈbato/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking gaming communities, players may use the term manco to describe a 'noob', which literally translates to 'one-armed'.
- The word novato is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'new', as both stem from the same ancient root for 'newness'.
- The word novato is used in Spanish military contexts to describe recruits, mirroring the English use of 'boot' or 'rookie'.
Examples in context
- Soy un novato, dispárenme.I'm a noob, shoot me.This sentence illustrates the use of novato to describe oneself.Tatoeba #1279971 by marcelostockle, translation #1279974 by marcelostockle
- Una vez noob, siempre serás noob.Once a noob, always a noob.This sentence shows how noob is used in a common digital expression.Tatoeba #1279973 by marcelostockle, translation #584104 by saeb
- Dima… suspiró Al-Sayib. ¿Cuánto te está costando esta llamada? Seguro que más de 99 kopeks, novato…"Dima…" Al-Sayib sighed. "How much is this phone call costing you? I bet you it's more than 99 kopeks, noob…"This sentence demonstrates a mocking use of novato in conversation.Tatoeba #589644 by Shishir, translation #589393 by FeuDRenais2
- La verdad es que soy un novato en el mundo de la fotografía.The truth is that I'm a novice in the world of photography.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is teaching Lucía how to play a video game.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, todos fuimos novatos al principio.Don't worry, we were all newbies at the beginning.
- AlejandroGracias, pero este juego es muy difícil.Thanks, but this game is very difficult.
- LucíaPractica un poco más y verás que mejorarás.Practice a little more and you will see that you'll improve.
- AlejandroEstá bien, seguiré intentándolo.Okay, I will keep trying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “noob” translations and entries novato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries novato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
