When talking about the newness of something in Croatian, the adjective nov is your go-to word. Like many adjectives, it changes its ending to agree with the noun it describes in terms of gender, number, and case. This means you'll see it as novi, nova, novo, and so on, depending on the context.
For example, if you have a new car (auto is masculine), you'd say novi auto. A new house (kuća is feminine) would be nova kuća. And a new book (knjiga is feminine) is nova knjiga. Pay attention to the noun's gender, and the correct form will follow naturally.
Alright, let's get straight to it. You've learned that 'nov' means 'new' in Croatian. Now, where are you actually going to hear and use this word in real life? This section will show you how 'nov' pops up in everyday conversations, whether you're at work, school, or just catching up on the news.
§ 'Nov' in the Workplace
In a professional setting, you'll often hear 'nov' when talking about projects, employees, or equipment. It's a straightforward way to introduce something recently acquired or developed.
- New Project
- When your boss announces a new task, you'll hear about a 'novi projekt'. Remember, 'projekt' is masculine, so 'nov' changes to 'novi'.
Imamo novi projekt koji počinje sljedeći tjedan.
- New Employee
- Welcoming a 'novi kolega' (new male colleague) or 'nova kolegica' (new female colleague) is a common use of 'nov'.
Ovo je naša nova kolegica, Ana.
- New Equipment
- If your office gets a new printer or computer, you might hear about 'novi printer' or 'novo računalo'. 'Računalo' is neuter, so 'nov' becomes 'novo'.
Kupili smo novo računalo za ured.
§ 'Nov' in School
In an educational setting, 'nov' comes in handy for discussing courses, books, or even friends.
- New Course
- Starting a 'novi predmet' (new subject) or 'novi tečaj' (new course) is a common topic.
Učim novi tečaj engleskog jezika.
- New Book
- If you get a 'nova knjiga' (new book), you'll use the feminine form.
Kupio sam novu knjigu za školu.
- New Friend
- Making a 'novi prijatelj' (new male friend) or 'nova prijateljica' (new female friend) is also a good opportunity to use 'nov'.
Upoznao sam novu prijateljicu.
§ 'Nov' in the News
News reports frequently use 'nov' to describe recent developments or discoveries. It keeps things current and relevant.
- New Law
- You'll hear about 'novi zakon' (new law) quite often.
Vlada je donijela novi zakon o prometu.
- New Discovery
- Scientific breakthroughs are often referred to as 'novo otkriće' (new discovery). 'Otkriće' is neuter.
Znanstvenici su objavili novo otkriće.
- New Government
- Political changes often involve a 'nova vlada' (new government).
Očekuje se formiranje nove vlade.
§ General Use and Important Tips
Beyond specific contexts, 'nov' is just generally useful for describing anything that's recently appeared or is unfamiliar.
Remember, 'nov' is an adjective, and like all Croatian adjectives, it changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. This is super important.
Male nouns: novi (e.g., novi automobil - new car)
Female nouns: nova (e.g., nova kuća - new house)
Neuter nouns: novo (e.g., novo dijete - new child)
By actively listening for and using 'nov' in these everyday scenarios, you'll solidify your understanding and make it a natural part of your Croatian vocabulary.
§ Don't Forget Gender Agreement
One of the biggest hurdles for English speakers learning Croatian is gender agreement. In Croatian, adjectives like 'nov' (new) change their endings to match the gender and number of the noun they describe. If you use 'nov' with a feminine noun, but you use the masculine form, it will sound incorrect to native speakers.
- The Forms of 'Nov'
- Masculine singular: nov (e.g., novi automobil - new car)
- Feminine singular: nova (e.g., nova kuća - new house)
- Neuter singular: novo (e.g., novo dijete - new child)
- Masculine plural: novi (e.g., novi automobili - new cars)
- Feminine plural: nove (e.g., nove kuće - new houses)
- Neuter plural: nova (e.g., nova djeca - new children)
A common mistake is to default to the masculine 'nov' for everything. Remember, the ending changes!
Kupio sam nov telefon. (I bought a new phone. - 'telefon' is masculine)
Ovo je moja nova knjiga. (This is my new book. - 'knjiga' is feminine)
§ Confusing 'Nov' with 'Mlad' (Young)
While both 'nov' and 'mlad' can translate to 'new' or 'young' in certain contexts, they are not interchangeable. 'Nov' specifically refers to something recently made, acquired, or created – something that has not existed for a long time. 'Mlad' refers to something or someone in the early stage of life or development, typically associated with age.
Imamo novu perilicu rublja. (We have a new washing machine.)
You would not say *'mladu perilicu rublja'* unless you're trying to be funny or poetic, referring to the machine as 'young' as if it had a life span.
On je mlad čovjek. (He is a young man.)
Here, 'nov čovjek' would imply he is a 'new person' in a different sense, like a newcomer or a changed person, not necessarily young in age.
§ Using 'Nov' for News or Novelty
While 'nov' means 'new', it's also used in phrases related to 'news' or 'novelty'. A common mistake is not understanding these idiomatic uses.
- Expressions with 'Nov'
- Što ima novo? (What's new?)
- Nove vijesti (New news - often just 'vijesti' for news)
- Novina (a novelty, or a newspaper - plural 'novine' is usually newspapers)
Don't just translate word for word from English when asking "What's new?" Instead of *'što je novo?'* (which is grammatically correct but less common for this specific greeting), use the more natural 'Što ima novo?'
Nove stvari se uvijek događaju. (New things are always happening.)
§ Incorrect Case Endings
Croatian has seven cases, and 'nov' will also change its ending based on the case of the noun it modifies. This is an advanced point, but crucial for sounding natural. For A1 level, mastering the nominative (basic form) is key, but be aware that cases exist!
Vidim novi grad. (I see a new city. - 'grad' is masculine, here in accusative case, but the ending for masculine animate nouns in accusative is the same as nominative for this adjective type)
The key is consistent practice and paying attention to patterns. Don't get discouraged! These are common pitfalls, and recognizing them is the first step to avoiding them.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'o' sound instead of a short 'o' sound.
- Forgetting to soften the 'v' sound slightly at the end.
Exemplos por nível
Ovo je moj nov auto.
This is my new car.
Kupio sam novu knjigu.
I bought a new book.
Imaš li novu frizuru?
Do you have a new hairstyle?
Tražimo novi stan.
We are looking for a new apartment.
Ona nosi novu haljinu.
She is wearing a new dress.
Imamo nove susjede.
We have new neighbors.
To je nova ideja.
That is a new idea.
Oni grade novu kuću.
They are building a new house.
Ovo je moj novi auto.
This is my new car.
Kupila sam novu haljinu za zabavu.
I bought a new dress for the party.
Tražimo novi stan u centru grada.
We are looking for a new apartment in the city center.
Imamo novog učitelja hrvatskog jezika.
We have a new Croatian language teacher.
Želim probati novu kavu u kafiću.
I want to try the new coffee at the cafe.
On ima novu ideju za projekt.
He has a new idea for the project.
Ova knjiga je potpuno nova.
This book is completely new.
Upoznat ćemo nove ljude na putovanju.
We will meet new people on the trip.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Imam novi auto.
I have a new car.
Ovo je moja nova kuća.
This is my new house.
Kupio sam novo računalo.
I bought a new computer.
Tražim novi posao.
I'm looking for a new job.
Čitam novu knjigu.
I'm reading a new book.
Upoznao sam novog prijatelja.
I met a new friend.
Imam novu ideju.
I have a new idea.
Želim novi početak.
I want a new beginning.
Sretna Nova Godina!
Happy New Year!
To je novi izazov za mene.
That's a new challenge for me.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a 'Nova' car. What does 'nova' mean in English? 'New.' It's a brand new car! So, **nov** is new.
Associação visual
Picture a shiny, brand new, just-bought car. Label it with the word 'nov'. Or, if you prefer, imagine a newborn baby, 'nov' and fresh.
Word Web
Desafio
Describe five new things around you, using 'nov' or its gender/number variations (nova, novo, novi, nove, nova). For example, 'Ovo je **novi** stol.' (This is a new table.)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasWhen 'nov' is used with a masculine noun, it takes the form novi. For example, 'novi auto' (a new car) or 'novi prijatelj' (a new friend).
For feminine nouns, 'nov' becomes nova. You'd say 'nova kuća' (a new house) or 'nova knjiga' (a new book).
With neuter nouns, the form is novo. So, 'novo selo' (a new village) or 'novo dijete' (a new child).
The plural forms depend on gender. For masculine, it's novi (e.g., 'novi automobili' - new cars). For feminine, it's nove (e.g., 'nove knjige' - new books). For neuter, it's nova (e.g., 'nova sela' - new villages).
Yes, 'nov' is used for time. For example, 'Nova godina' means 'New Year'.
Typically, yes, 'nov' comes before the noun it modifies. For instance, 'novi posao' (a new job).
In most common contexts, 'nov' strictly means 'new' in terms of being recently made, acquired, or experienced. It doesn't usually carry other connotations like 'fresh' (which would be 'svjež') or 'modern' (which can be 'moderan' or 'suvremen').
You can say 'Ovo je novo' (This is new). The form 'novo' is used here because 'ovo' (this) acts as a neuter pronoun.
The most common opposite of 'nov' is star (old). For example, 'stari auto' (an old car).
Besides 'Nova godina' (New Year), a common phrase is 'Što ima novo?' (What's new?).
Teste-se 66 perguntas
This is a new car.
I have a new book.
Is your house new?
Read this aloud:
Ovo je nov bicikl.
Focus: nov
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Kupio sam novi telefon.
Focus: novi
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Ona nosi novu haljinu.
Focus: novu
Você disse:
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Write a short sentence describing a 'new car' in Croatian. You can use 'auto'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
To je nov auto.
Imagine you got a 'new book'. How would you say that in Croatian? (Use 'knjiga')
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Imam novu knjigu.
Describe a 'new house' using 'kuća'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
To je nova kuća.
What kind of dictionary is it?
Read this passage:
Ovo je moj nov rječnik. On je vrlo koristan. Volim nove stvari.
What kind of dictionary is it?
The word 'nov' means 'new'.
The word 'nov' means 'new'.
What does the speaker have?
Read this passage:
Imam novu haljinu. Plave je boje. Sviđa mi se.
What does the speaker have?
'Novu haljinu' means 'new dress'.
'Novu haljinu' means 'new dress'.
What is new for Ana?
Read this passage:
Ana ima novu torbu. Torba je crna. Ana je sretna.
What is new for Ana?
'Novu torbu' means 'new bag'.
'Novu torbu' means 'new bag'.
The correct order to form the sentence 'This is a new car.'
The correct order to form the sentence 'I have a new bag.'
The correct order to form the sentence 'We bought a new apartment.'
Kupio sam ___ auto jučer. (I bought a ___ car yesterday.)
The adjective 'novi' (new) agrees in gender and case with the masculine noun 'auto' (car).
Ona nosi ___ haljinu za zabavu. (She is wearing a ___ dress for the party.)
The adjective 'novu' (new) agrees in gender, number, and case (accusative singular feminine) with the noun 'haljinu' (dress).
Tražimo ___ stan u centru grada. (We are looking for a ___ apartment in the city center.)
The adjective 'novi' (new) agrees in gender and case (accusative singular masculine/neuter) with the noun 'stan' (apartment).
Jesu li ovo tvoje ___ cipele? (Are these your ___ shoes?)
The adjective 'nove' (new) agrees in gender and number (nominative plural feminine) with the noun 'cipele' (shoes).
Spreman sam za ___ početak. (I am ready for a ___ beginning.)
The adjective 'novi' (new) agrees in gender and case (accusative singular masculine) with the noun 'početak' (beginning).
Predstavili su ___ proizvode na sajmu. (They introduced ___ products at the fair.)
The adjective 'nove' (new) agrees in gender and number (accusative plural feminine) with the noun 'proizvode' (products).
The speaker bought a new dress for a wedding. What was new?
The speaker is talking about a new car they just bought. What did they just get?
The speaker is asking for new news about a project. What kind of news?
Read this aloud:
Imamo novi stol u dnevnom boravku.
Focus: novi
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Tražim novu knjigu za čitanje.
Focus: novu
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Mislim da je to dobra nova ideja.
Focus: nova
Você disse:
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Novi zakon donosi mnoge ___ promjene u društvu.
The sentence speaks of significant changes, and 'revolucionarne' (revolutionary) fits the context of a new law bringing about such changes. 'Novi' is already used to describe 'zakon'.
Arhitekt je predstavio ___ koncept za uređenje gradskog trga, koji je naišao na pozitivne reakcije.
A 'novi koncept' often implies something 'inovativan' (innovative), especially when it receives positive reactions. 'Dosadan', 'poznat', and 'običan' don't fit the positive reception.
Nakon selidbe u drugi grad, morao sam pronaći ___ posao i prilagoditi se novoj sredini.
Moving to a new city implies finding a 'nov' (new) job. 'Bivši' (former) and 'stari' (old) are the opposite of what's needed, and 'poznat' (known) doesn't fit the context of adapting to a new environment.
U muzeju je otvorena ___ izložba koja prikazuje djela suvremenih umjetnika.
An exhibition that 'prikazuje djela suvremenih umjetnika' (shows works of contemporary artists) suggests it is 'nedavna' (recent) or new. 'Trajna' and 'stalna' mean permanent, which contradicts 'otvorena' (opened). 'Prošla' means past.
Predstavljen je ___ model automobila s naprednim sigurnosnim značajkama.
A 'novi model' with 'naprednim sigurnosnim značajkama' (advanced safety features) indicates it is the 'aktualni' (current) one. 'Zastarjeli' (outdated), 'prijašnji' (previous), and 'bivši' (former) are incorrect.
Pisac je objavio svoj ___ roman, koji je odmah postao bestseler.
If a novel 'odmah postao bestseler' (immediately became a bestseller) and it's a 'novi' (new) novel from the writer, it often refers to their 'prvi' (first) novel. 'Stari' and 'poznati' contradict the idea of a new release. 'Nedavno' is an adverb.
This phrase means 'a new way of thinking'. 'Novi' is the masculine nominative singular form of 'nov' (new) and it agrees with 'način' (way).
This sentence means 'They introduced new security measures.' 'Nove' is the feminine accusative plural form of 'nov' and it agrees with 'mjere' (measures).
This sentence means 'We are looking for a new solution for this problem.' 'Novo' is the neuter accusative singular form of 'nov' and it agrees with 'rješenje' (solution).
Listen to the sentence about a new song.
Listen to the sentence about a new company strategy.
Listen to the sentence about new technologies.
Read this aloud:
Možeš li mi opisati kakvi su novi propisi o zaštiti okoliša?
Focus: novi propisi
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Koje su, po tvom mišljenju, najveće prednosti novog sustava obrazovanja?
Focus: novog sustava
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Kako bi se nova vlada trebala nositi s ekonomskim problemima?
Focus: nova vlada
Você disse:
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This sentence structure (adjective + noun + verb + adjective + preposition + noun) is common for expressing a new solution being essential for success.
The order reflects a common way to express the introduction of a revolutionary new technology, with 'potpuno novu' (completely new) emphasizing the novelty.
This arrangement follows the structure of stating a goal to create a new, more efficient, and sustainable system.
Odaberite ispravan oblik pridjeva 'nov' u rečenici: 'Ovo je ___ ideja.'
The noun 'ideja' (idea) is feminine singular, so the adjective 'nov' must agree in gender and number, becoming 'nova'.
Koji je ispravan oblik pridjeva 'nov' za imenicu 'prijatelji' (friends, masculine plural)?
The noun 'prijatelji' is masculine plural in the nominative case. Therefore, 'nov' becomes 'novi'.
Popunite prazninu: 'Oni su dobili ___ iskustvo.' (They gained a new experience.)
The noun 'iskustvo' (experience) is neuter singular, so 'nov' takes the neuter singular form 'novo'.
U rečenici 'Kupio sam novu auto', pridjev 'novu' je ispravno usklađen s imenicom 'auto'.
'Auto' (car) is a neuter noun in Croatian, so the correct form would be 'novo auto'. 'Novu' is feminine.
Fraza 'novi život' (new life) je gramatički ispravna jer se 'život' ponaša kao muška imenica.
'Život' (life) is a masculine noun in Croatian, and 'novi' is the correct masculine singular form of 'nov' in the nominative case.
U izrazu 'novo godina' (new year), 'novo' je ispravno usklađeno s imenicom 'godina'.
'Godina' (year) is a feminine noun. The correct form would be 'nova godina'.
You are a seasoned journalist writing an op-ed piece about the challenges facing modern society. Use the word 'nov' (new) to describe innovative solutions, new societal norms, or emerging global issues. Focus on creating a compelling argument for change.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
U ovom dobu brze transformacije, suočavamo se s brojnim izazovima koji zahtijevaju inovativna rješenja. Nove društvene norme se oblikuju, a s njima dolaze i nadolazeći globalni problemi koji traže našu hitnu pozornost. Moramo se prilagoditi novim paradigmama razmišljanja kako bismo osigurali održivu budućnost.
As a futurist, you're presenting at a technology conference. Your topic is 'The Next Decade: Breakthroughs and Disruptions'. Incorporate 'nov' (new) to discuss new technologies, new ways of working, and the new economic landscape. Emphasize the impact of these changes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Predviđanja za sljedeće desetljeće ukazuju na revolucionarne promjene. Nove tehnologije će transformirati industrije, uvodeći nove načine rada koji će zahtijevati prilagodbu i agilnost. Novo ekonomsko okruženje će se oblikovati pod utjecajem digitalizacije i automatizacije, stvarajući prilike, ali i izazove bez presedana.
You are a literary critic analyzing a contemporary novel that pushes boundaries. Discuss how the author uses a 'nov' (new) narrative structure, new thematic elements, and creates a new reading experience. Explain why this approach is significant in modern literature.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
U ovom avangardnom romanu, autor nas suočava s novom narativnom strukturom koja razbija konvencije. Uvođenjem novih tematskih cjelina, djelo pruža novo čitateljsko iskustvo koje je istovremeno provokativno i duboko. Ovaj pristup je značajan jer redefinira granice suvremene književnosti.
Koji je glavni fokus teksta s obzirom na 'nove' elemente?
Read this passage:
Globalna politika neprestano se mijenja, donoseći sa sobom nove izazove i prilike. S porastom multilateralizma i kompleksnosti odnosa među državama, diplomati se suočavaju s potrebom za pronalaženjem novih strategija za održavanje mira i sigurnosti. Razumijevanje ovih novih dinamika ključno je za svakog aktera na međunarodnoj sceni.
Koji je glavni fokus teksta s obzirom na 'nove' elemente?
Tekst eksplicitno navodi 'nove izazove i prilike' kao ključni aspekt globalne politike, što je naglašeno u prvoj rečenici.
Tekst eksplicitno navodi 'nove izazove i prilike' kao ključni aspekt globalne politike, što je naglašeno u prvoj rečenici.
Što je, prema tekstu, 'novo' u kontekstu umjetne inteligencije i medicine?
Read this passage:
Evolucija umjetne inteligencije otvara 'nova' poglavlja u medicini. Od dijagnostike do personaliziranih tretmana, AI obećava revoluciju u zdravstvu. No, s ovom novom tehnologijom dolaze i etička pitanja i potreba za novim zakonskim okvirima koji će regulirati njenu primjenu, osiguravajući odgovorno korištenje.
Što je, prema tekstu, 'novo' u kontekstu umjetne inteligencije i medicine?
Tekst spominje 'nova poglavlja u medicini' te naglašava dolazak 'etičkih pitanja' i potrebu za 'novim zakonskim okvirima' kao posljedicu nove tehnologije.
Tekst spominje 'nova poglavlja u medicini' te naglašava dolazak 'etičkih pitanja' i potrebu za 'novim zakonskim okvirima' kao posljedicu nove tehnologije.
Koji je primarni 'novi' element u modernoj arhitekturi prema tekstu?
Read this passage:
Moderna arhitektura neprestano traži 'nove' pristupe dizajnu i održivosti. Inovativni materijali i energetska učinkovitost postaju standard, a arhitekti teže stvaranju prostora koji ne samo da su estetski privlačni, već i funkcionalni za 'novi' način života. Izazov leži u integraciji tradicije i suvremenosti.
Koji je primarni 'novi' element u modernoj arhitekturi prema tekstu?
Tekst izričito navodi 'nove pristupe dizajnu i održivosti' kao ključne u modernoj arhitekturi.
Tekst izričito navodi 'nove pristupe dizajnu i održivosti' kao ključne u modernoj arhitekturi.
/ 66 correct
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