le nouveau
new
Qui vient d’apparaître ou d’être créé récemment, et qui n’existait pas avant.
Definition & meaning
The word "nouveau" is a French adjective that primarily translates to "new" in English. It is used to describe something that has recently appeared, been created, or been acquired.
There are two main nuances to its meaning:
- It refers to something that is different from what existed before or something that is "another" of its kind. For example, "un nouveau livre" can mean a book that has just been published or simply a different book than the one previously mentioned.
- It indicates a change in state or ownership. If someone buys a used car, they might call it their "nouvelle voiture" because it is new to them, even if the car itself is old.
In French, there is a distinction between "nouveau" and neuf. While "nouveau" refers to something new in time or sequence, "neuf" specifically refers to something that is brand new, factory-fresh, or has never been used.
Grammar & Word origin
"nouveau" is an irregular adjective that changes its form according to the gender and number of the noun it modifies. It is almost always placed before the noun.
The forms are:
- nouveau: Masculine singular (used before a consonant).
- nouvel: Masculine singular (used before a vowel or a silent 'h').
- nouvelle: Feminine singular.
- nouveaux: Masculine plural.
- nouvelles: Feminine plural.
The word originates from the Old French "novel," which comes from the Latin "novellus," a diminutive of "novus," meaning "new."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- récent: used for something that happened or was made a short time ago.
- neuf: used for objects that are brand new and unused.
- inédit: used for something original or never seen before.
- actuel: used for something that belongs to the present time.
- frais: used in the sense of fresh or recently produced.
Antonyms:
Make “nouveau” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Ce magasin propose un produit tout nouveau.adjective
This store offers a completely new product.
Victor achète un nouveau livre.adjective
Victor buys a new book.
J'ai une nouvelle maison.adjective
I have a new house.
J'ai vu la nouvelle voiture.adjective
I saw the new car.
Marie voit un nouveau chat.adjective
Marie sees a new cat.
Voici mon nouveau stylo.adjective
Here is my new pen.
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad