New
Use for feminine nouns. Adjectives in Spanish must match the gender of the noun they describe.
A verb meaning 'to use or wear for the first time'. It's very common when talking about new clothes, shoes, or a car.
Means 'recent'. Use this for news, events, or things that have just happened.
Means 'modern'. Use this for technology, styles, or buildings that are up-to-date.
I have a new car.
My sister has a new skirt.
Today I'm wearing my new shoes for the first time.
The office building is very modern.
Did you see the recent news?
The adjective 'nuevo/a' is universal. The verb 'estrenar' is also widely understood and used across the Spanish-speaking world.
While 'nuevo' is the same, nouns it modifies can differ. For example, people in Spain say 'coche' for 'car' and 'móvil' for 'cell phone'. 'Estrenar' is extremely common.
Standard Latin American Spanish is used. 'Carro' for 'car' and 'celular' for 'cell phone' are the common terms paired with 'nuevo'.
Similar to Mexico, 'carro' and 'celular' are the standard. No significant variations for the word 'nuevo'.
Argentinians typically say 'auto' for 'car'. For a brand-new car, the phrase 'cero kilómetro' (zero kilometer) is very common, meaning it has 0 km on the odometer.
Forgetting gender and number agreement. For example, saying 'una carro nuevo' (wrong) instead of 'un carro nuevo' (correct), or 'zapatos nuevo' (wrong) instead of 'zapatos nuevos' (correct). 'Nuevo' must match the noun it describes.
Confusing 'nuevo' (new) with 'otra vez' (again). To ask someone to do something again, use 'otra vez' or 'de nuevo', not just 'nuevo'. For example, 'Dilo otra vez' (Say it again), not 'Dilo nuevo'.
Using 'estar' instead of 'ser'. To state that an object is inherently new (e.g., you just bought it), use 'ser'. For example: 'Mi teléfono es nuevo'. Using 'está nuevo' implies it is in a like-new condition, which is a different meaning.
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