de nuevo
Lemma Details
Translation: again; once more; anew
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'de' (from Latin 'de' meaning 'from, of') and the adjective 'nuevo' (from Latin 'novus' meaning 'new'). The literal translation is 'of new' or 'from new', which evolved to mean 'again' or 'once more'. The English cognate of 'nuevo' is 'new', both deriving from the same Proto-Indo-European root *néwos.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'de nuevo' as 'of new' or 'from new' - when you do something 'de nuevo', you're doing it from a new starting point.
- Connect 'nuevo' with the English word 'new' - when you do something 'de nuevo', you're doing it newly again.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common expression in Spanish used in all Spanish-speaking countries. It's neutral in register and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'De nuevo' (again) is often confused with 'de nuevo' in the literal sense of 'of new/of a new one'. Context determines the meaning.
Notes: The confusion arises because the same phrase can have different meanings depending on context.
Mnemonic: When 'de nuevo' stands alone, it usually means 'again'; when 'nuevo' is followed by a noun, it's usually the literal 'of new'.
Explanation: 'Nuevamente' is a single adverb meaning 'again' or 'anew', while 'de nuevo' is an adverbial phrase with the same meaning. They are interchangeable in most contexts.
This word:
Vamos a vernos de nuevo la semana que viene.
We're going to see each other again next week.
Confused word:
Vamos a vernos nuevamente la semana que viene.
We're going to see each other again next week.
Notes: Both expressions are equally common and can be used interchangeably in most contexts, though 'de nuevo' might be slightly more colloquial.
Mnemonic: Think of 'nuevamente' as the one-word version of 'de nuevo'.