Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions
"New" in Portuguese: novo/a
novo/a
New in Portuguese is novo or nova. Match gender: carro novo, casa nova. Brazilians also say novinho/novinha for brand-new or cute-new emphasis.
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How to pronounce novo/a
Say it
NOH-voo / NOH-vah
/ˈno.vu/, /ˈno.va/
NOH-voo / NOH-vah.
"New" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| novo / nova | new Base adjective forms. | Base adjective forms. |
| novos / novas | new (plural) Agree with plural nouns. | Agree with plural nouns. |
| novinho / novinha | brand-new / cute-new Emphatic or affectionate. | Emphatic or affectionate. |
| de novo | again Related phrase; not the adjective alone. | Related phrase; not the adjective alone. |
| ano novo | New Year Fixed expression. | Fixed expression. |
How to use novo/a in real life
- 1Apartment hunting
Achamos um apartamento novo perto do metrô.
We found a new apartment near the metro.
Novo agrees with apartamento.
- 2Shopping
Essa blusa nova combina com a saia.
This new blouse matches the skirt.
Nova with feminine blusa.
- 3Tech upgrade
Meu celular novo chegou ontem.
My new phone arrived yesterday.
Everyday consumer line.
Mistakes English speakers make with novo/a
Incorrect: Uma casa novo.
Correct: Uma casa nova.
Casa is feminine: nova.
Incorrect: Um livro nueva.
Correct: Um livro novo.
Do not borrow Spanish nueva. Portuguese masculine is novo.
Good to know
Novo/a is everyday, from phones to jobs (emprego novo). Novinho/a can mean brand-new or playfully young, so tone matters. De novo means again—do not confuse it with the adjective new.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Showing off a purchase
ChatPal
Esse tênis é novo?
Are these sneakers new?
You
É novo sim. Comprei ontem.
Yes, they're new. I bought them yesterday.
ChatPal
Que cor linda no modelo novo!
What a pretty color on the new model!
You
Valeu. Queria um look novo para viajar.
Thanks. I wanted a new look for traveling.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"New" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "New" in Portuguese
Gender forms?
Novo (m), nova (f); novos / novas.
Brand-new emphasis?
Novinho / novinha.
Does de novo mean new?
No. De novo means again.
New Year?
Ano novo.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
