Spanish · People & Family

"Boyfriend" in Spanish: novio

el novio

Say it: NOH-vee-ohmasculine · el novionoun/ˈnobjo/

Boyfriend in Spanish is el novio. It is masculine. Mi novio means my boyfriend. Context can also mean fiancé or groom.

Meeting friends

Voy con mi novio al concierto.
I'm going to the concert with my boyfriend.
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How to pronounce novio

Say it

NOH-vee-oh

/ˈnobjo/

NOH-vee-oh. Stress noh. Soft v, like English b/v blend in Spanish.

"Boyfriend" in Spanish: quick reference

SpanishEnglish
el novioboyfriend; fiancé; groom

Romantic partner; wedding sense needs context.

mi noviomy boyfriend

Everyday possessive.

noviosthe couple / bride and groom

The pair together.

estar de noviosto be dating

A set phrase for an ongoing relationship.

How to use novio in real life

  1. 1Meeting friends

    Voy con mi novio al concierto.

    I'm going to the concert with my boyfriend.

    Mi novio is the everyday phrase.

  2. 2Introducing someone

    Este es mi novio, Mateo.

    This is my boyfriend, Mateo.

    Este matches masculine novio.

  3. 3Checking plans

    ¿Tu novio viene también?

    Is your boyfriend coming too?

    Tu novio works in casual chat.

Mistakes English speakers make with novio

Incorrect: La novio es simpático.

Correct: El novio es simpático.

Novio is masculine. Use el novio, mi novio.

Incorrect: Él es mi novia.

Correct: Él es mi novio.

For a male partner say novio, not novia.

Good to know

Novio covers boyfriend, fiancé, and groom. Wedding context decides which sense of novio fits.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Choosing seats for a movie

  1. ChatPal

    ¿Viene tu novio con nosotros?

    Is your boyfriend coming with us?

  2. You

    Sí, mi novio ya compró las entradas.

    Yes, my boyfriend already bought the tickets.

  3. ChatPal

    Genial. Entonces reservamos cuatro.

    Great. Then we'll reserve four.

  4. You

    Perfecto. Aviso a mi novio ahora.

    Perfect. I'll text my boyfriend now.

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"Boyfriend" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Boyfriend" in Spanish

Is novio masculine or feminine?

Masculine: el novio. Girlfriend is la novia.

Does novio only mean boyfriend?

No. Novio can also mean fiancé or groom.

How do I say we are dating?

Estamos de novios.

How do I pronounce novio?

NOH-vee-oh with stress on the first syllable.

Learn a word, then use it out loud

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  3. Step 3: Get feedback
  4. Step 4: Use it in real scenarios

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