novios
“novios” means “boyfriend and girlfriend” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
boyfriend and girlfriend, couple
Also: dating partners
📝 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.
fiancés, bride and groom
📝 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.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin *novius*, which relates to the idea of 'new.' In earlier Spanish, it referred to a newly married person (a 'new' spouse). Over time, the meaning broadened to include people in a serious dating relationship before marriage.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'