novela
“novela” means “novel” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
novel
Also: fiction book
📝 In Action
Estoy leyendo una novela de ciencia ficción muy interesante.
A1I am reading a very interesting science fiction novel.
El autor ganó un premio importante por su última novela.
A2The author won an important award for his latest novel.
soap opera
Also: telenovela
📝 In Action
Mi mamá no se pierde ni un capítulo de la novela de la noche.
B1My mom doesn't miss a single episode of the nighttime soap opera.
El final de la novela fue muy dramático, todos lloraron.
B2The end of the soap opera was very dramatic; everyone cried.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: novela
Question 1 of 2
If your friend says, 'El argumento de esta novela es increíblemente largo y complicado,' what are they most likely talking about?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Italian word 'novella' meaning 'story' or 'tale,' which itself derives from the Latin 'novellus' (new). The idea is that a novel is a long, 'new' story.
First recorded: 16th century (in Spanish with the literary meaning)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'novela' y 'cuento'?
A 'novela' is a long work of fiction (a full book). A 'cuento' is a short story. The difference is primarily based on length.
How do I know if someone means a book or a TV show when they say 'novela'?
Pay attention to the verb! If they use 'leer' (to read) or 'escribir' (to write), they mean the book. If they use 'ver' (to watch) or 'poner la televisión' (to put on the TV), they mean the soap opera.