καινούργιος
Lemma: καινούργιος
Translation: new; brand new; fresh (adjective)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek καινούριος (kainourios), from Ancient Greek καινός (kainos) 'new' + -ούργιος (-ourgios) from ἔργον (ergon) 'work'. The compound literally means 'newly worked' or 'freshly made'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'keen + urgency' - something so new you're keen/eager to get it urgently
- The '-ούργιος' ending relates to 'work/creation' - think of something newly worked/created
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in everyday speech, particularly in shopping contexts and when discussing possessions. Often used in advertisements and retail settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'new', καινούργιος specifically means 'brand new' or 'newly made', while νέος can mean both 'new' and 'young', and is less specific about the item being newly manufactured
Confused word:
Ο νέος δάσκαλος είναι καλός.
The new teacher is good.
Notes: καινούργιος is more commonly used for material objects and purchases
Mnemonic: καινούργιος is about 'newly made things', νέος is about 'new situations/people'