novato
/noh-VAH-toh/
rookie
A 'novato' (rookie) is often new to a sport or job, like this young player starting out.
novato(noun)
rookie
?Sports or job context
,beginner
?General learning
newcomer
?Someone recently arrived
,fresher
?UK English, university context
📝 In Action
El novato hizo un excelente trabajo en su primer día.
A2The rookie did an excellent job on his first day.
No te preocupes si cometes errores, todos somos novatos al principio.
B1Don't worry if you make mistakes, we are all beginners at first.
En el equipo hay tres novatos que tienen mucho potencial.
A2There are three newcomers on the team who have a lot of potential.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matters
Since 'novato' refers to a person, it changes gender. Use 'novato' when talking about a male beginner or a group of mixed gender, and 'novata' for a female beginner.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Preposition
Mistake: "Soy novato de español. (I am beginner of Spanish.)"
Correction: Soy un novato en español. (Use the preposition 'en' to say what subject or activity you are new to.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Encouraging Use
This word is often used in a friendly or modest way. It’s a good word to use when you want to admit you are new to something without sounding too formal.
When used as an adjective, 'novato' describes someone who is a novice or beginner in skill level.
novato(adjective)
novice
?Describing skill level
,inexperienced
?General description
new
?Relating to a new role or position
📝 In Action
Ella tiene una actitud novata, pero aprende rápido.
B1She has an inexperienced attitude, but she learns fast.
Fue un error novato olvidar cargar la batería.
B2It was a rookie mistake to forget to charge the battery.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
When 'novato' is used to describe something, it must match that thing in number and gender. If you describe a female player, it's 'jugadora novata' (novata ending in -a because 'jugadora' is feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrases
The phrase 'error novato' (rookie mistake) is very common and useful for describing small, careless errors made due to lack of practice.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: novato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'novato' to describe a female friend?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'novato' and 'principiante'?
'Principiante' is a very general term for someone just starting any activity (like studying a language). 'Novato' often carries a stronger connotation of being a 'rookie' or a new member of a specific group, especially in sports or professional settings. They are often interchangeable, but 'novato' can sound slightly more colloquial.