What is the difference between neuf and nouveau?

Sue M.C1Kwiziq community member

What is the difference between neuf and nouveau?

Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Sue !

We actually have a lesson on that subject:
https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/how-to-say-new-neuf-versus-nouveau

Bonne journée !
Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Bonsoir Sue, Looking at the Collins-Robert Dictionary: nouveau (nuvo, nuvɛl ) Word forms:nouvelle, nouvel, devant un nom masculin commençant par une voyelle ou un h muet, masculine plural nouveaux (remplacé) new ⇒ Il me faut un nouveau pantalon. I need some new trousers. ⇒ Elle a une nouvelle voiture. She's got a new car. (en plus) another ⇒ Il y eu un nouvel accident au carrefour. There's been another accident at the crossroads. [élève] new ⇒ Il y a un nouvel élève dans ma classe. There's a new boy in my class. (récent) new ⇒ C'est nouveau, essayez-le. It's new, try it. (= original) [idée, solution] novel neuf neuf 2 (nœf ; nœv ) Word forms:neuve adjective (= non usagé) new ⇒ des chaussures neuves new shoes (= nouveau) [regard, idées] new From studying the definitions and examples, it appears the differences are contextual, i.e. dependant on what is being described. Bonne chance.
Sue M.C1Kwiziq community member
Merci bien,monsieur! SueMcL

What is the difference between neuf and nouveau?

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