Translation guide
The English word 'new' describes something recently made, discovered, or experienced. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 新しい (atarashii), but other words and patterns are used depending on whether you mean brand-new, newly arrived, fresh, or a new version of something.
Describing objects, things, or abstract concepts that are recently created or not old.
The standard adjective for 'new' in most contexts. Works for physical objects, ideas, experiences, etc.
新しい車を買いました。
I bought a new car.
新しいアイデアが浮かんだ。
A new idea came to mind.
Prefix used in compounds to mean 'new-', often in formal or technical terms.
新製品の発表会があります。
There is a presentation for the new product.
Emphasizing that something is in pristine, unused condition.
Noun meaning 'brand-new item', often used for goods.
このスマホは新品です。
This smartphone is brand new.
新品のバッグを買った。
I bought a brand-new bag.
Referring to people or things that have recently come to a place or situation.
Also used for new members, neighbors, etc.
新しいクラスメートが来た。
A new classmate arrived.
Noun for a newcomer, especially in a group or organization.
New person, often used for new employees or rookies.
Describing food or other perishables that are fresh.
Adjective meaning 'fresh', used for food, air, ideas, etc.
新鮮な魚を買った。
I bought fresh fish.
新鮮な空気を吸いに行こう。
Let's go breathe some fresh air.
Can also mean 'fresh' for food, but 新鮮 is more specific.
Referring to an updated or revised version of something.
Prefix used in compounds like 新版 (new edition) or 新作 (new work).
この本の新版が出た。
A new edition of this book came out.
Can be used with words like バージョン (version).
Describing someone who is inexperienced or doing something for the first time.
Pattern meaning 'This is my first time doing ~'. Often more natural than using 'new'.
日本は初めてです。
I'm new to Japan. (This is my first time in Japan.)
この仕事は初めてなので、緊張しています。
I'm new to this job, so I'm nervous.
Noun meaning 'novice' or 'newbie', often used humorously or humbly.
Something that has just been found or is unlike anything before.
Noun meaning 'new discovery'.
これは科学の新発見だ。
This is a new scientific discovery.
Can be used directly with '発見' or similar words.
新しい星が見つかった。
A new star was discovered.
Means 'unknown', often used for new frontiers or experiences.
未知の世界への冒険。
An adventure into a new world.
For expressions like 'I'm new here' or 'This is new to me', Japanese often uses 初めて (hajimete, 'first time') or other constructions instead of 新しい.
ここは初めてです。
I'm new here.
新しい (atarashii) is the general 'new'. 新品 (shinpin) is specifically 'brand-new, unused'. 新鮮 (shinsen) is 'fresh' for food, air, ideas. Use 新品 for a new product you just bought, 新鮮 for fresh vegetables, and 新しい for a new friend.
Emphatic adjective meaning 'brand-new' or 'fresh and new'.
真新しい靴を履いて出かけた。
I went out wearing brand-new shoes.
彼はまだ新入りだから、仕事に慣れていない。
He's still a newcomer, so he's not used to the work.
新人研修があります。
There is training for new employees.
新しいパンはまだ温かい。
The fresh bread is still warm.
新しいバージョンをインストールしてください。
Please install the new version.
新米ドライバーなので、運転に自信がありません。
I'm a new driver, so I'm not confident in my driving.