novios
/NOH-byos/
boyfriend and girlfriend
A common meaning of novios is a romantic couple, like a boyfriend and girlfriend.
novios(noun)
boyfriend and girlfriend
?romantic couple
,couple
?romantic relationship
dating partners
?general term
📝 In Action
Mis amigos Juan y Sara son novios desde hace dos años.
A1My friends Juan and Sara have been a couple for two years.
¿Son ustedes novios o solo amigos?
A2Are you two a couple or just friends?
La pareja de novios se tomó de la mano para cruzar la calle.
B1The boyfriend and girlfriend held hands to cross the street.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural for Mixed Groups
Even if the couple is a man and a woman, Spanish uses the masculine plural form ('novios') to refer to the pair collectively. This is standard for mixed groups.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Novias' for Mixed Couple
Mistake: "Mis amigos son 'novias'."
Correction: Mis amigos son 'novios'. The feminine plural ('novias') is only used if both people are female.
⭐ Usage Tips
Singular vs. Plural
Remember, the singular is 'novio' (boyfriend) or 'novia' (girlfriend). The plural 'novios' refers to them as a unit (the couple).
When a couple is engaged, they are also referred to as novios (fiancés).
📝 In Action
Los novios entraron a la iglesia bajo la marcha nupcial.
B1The bride and groom entered the church to the wedding march.
La madre de la novia organizó una fiesta para los novios.
B2The bride's mother organized a party for the fiancés.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'novios' is used in the context of a 'boda' (wedding) or 'anillo' (ring), it almost always means the couple is engaged or about to be married, referring to them as the bride and groom.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: novios
Question 1 of 2
If you hear, 'Los novios están planeando su boda,' what does 'novios' most likely mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'novios' and 'pareja'?
'Novios' specifically implies a romantic, committed dating relationship (or an engagement). 'Pareja' is a broader term meaning 'partner' or 'couple,' and can refer to married couples, business partners, or people living together without being married.
Does 'novios' always mean they are going to get married?
No. In modern Spanish, 'novios' is the standard word for 'boyfriend and girlfriend' or 'dating couple,' regardless of whether they plan to marry. However, in wedding contexts, it specifically means 'bride and groom' or 'fiancés.'