nounnounadjective

el novio

boyfriend

Persona con la que alguien mantiene una relación amorosa o sentimental de pareja.

Definition & meaning

The word novio primarily refers to a male who is in a romantic relationship with someone, typically translated as "boyfriend."

Additionally, it is used in the context of marriage ceremonies to refer to a "groom," or a man who is about to be married or has recently been married.

In a broader sense, it can also refer to a suitor or someone who is courting another person.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a masculine noun. Its feminine counterpart is novia . It functions as a singular noun, and its plural form is novios , which can refer to a pair of boyfriends or a couple in the process of getting married.

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin word novius, which is a derivative of novus, meaning "new." This historical root reflects the idea of a person entering into a "new" status or relationship.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Pareja : A gender-neutral term often used to refer to a partner.
Prometido : Specifically refers to a fiancé, someone who is engaged to be married.
Galán : A term often used to describe a suitor or a charming man interested in a woman.
Amante : While it can mean "lover," it is sometimes used in specific contexts to denote a romantic companion.