nuevo
Lemma Details
Translation: new; fresh; novel; recent; modern; unfamiliar
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'novus' meaning 'new', which shares the same Indo-European root (*néwos) as English 'new'. This connection is evident in many Romance languages (French 'nouveau', Italian 'nuovo', Portuguese 'novo'). The evolution from Latin to Spanish involved the typical transformation of the Latin 'v' to Spanish 'u' in certain positions, followed by consonant strengthening.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me compré un coche nuevo.
I bought a new car.
Tenemos un nuevo empleado en la oficina.
We have a new employee in the office.
Esta es una nueva oportunidad para todos.
This is a new opportunity for everyone.
El Nuevo Testamento
The New Testament
De nuevo, gracias por tu ayuda.
Again, thank you for your help.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nu' in 'nuevo' as 'new' with a Spanish pronunciation.
- Remember the phrase 'What's new?' - '¿Qué hay de nuevo?'
- Connect it to 'novel' in English, which shares the same Latin root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'nuevo' can have connotations beyond just chronological newness. For example, in Latin America, 'Nuevo' in place names often indicates settlements established during colonial times. The concept of 'lo nuevo' (the new) is often celebrated in Hispanic cultures, particularly in fashion, technology, and arts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Nuevo' means 'new' while 'nueve' means the number 'nine'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Tengo nueve hermanos.
I have nine brothers.
Notes: The stress in 'nuevo' is on the first syllable (NUE-vo), while in 'nueve' it's also on the first syllable (NUEV-e).
Mnemonic: 'Nuevo' ends with 'o' like 'novel' or 'neo-', while 'nueve' ends with 'e' like the English pronunciation of 'nine'.
Explanation: 'Nuevo' means 'new' while 'novio' means 'boyfriend' or 'groom'. Both share the Latin root 'nov-' but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: 'Novio' is a noun referring to a person, while 'nuevo' is an adjective describing the quality of something.
Mnemonic: Think of 'novio' as related to 'novia' (bride) and wedding 'vows', while 'nuevo' relates to 'new'.