prefix
new; neo-
Productive prefix used with Sino-Japanese nouns to mean 'new', 'latest', or 'modern'. Common in compounds like 新技術 (new technology) and 新記録 (new record).
新技術の開発が進んでいる。
Development of new technology is progressing.
彼は新記録を樹立した。
He set a new record.
noun
newness; novelty
Abstract noun referring to the quality of being new. Often used in set phrases like 新を求める (seek novelty) or in contrast with 旧 (old).
彼は常に新を求める。
He is always seeking novelty.
noun
Gregorian calendar (abbr.)
Abbreviation of 新暦 (しんれき), the Gregorian calendar. Used in contexts like dates or historical references.
See also: 新暦
この日付は新で表記されている。
This date is written in the Gregorian calendar.
noun
Xin dynasty (China, 9-23 CE)
Historical term for the short-lived Chinese dynasty founded by Wang Mang. Rare outside historical contexts.
新は王莽によって建てられた。
The Xin dynasty was established by Wang Mang.
新しい is the common i-adjective for 'new', used for tangible and intangible things, while 新 as a prefix is more formal and limited to compounds.
Sino-Japanese reading of the kanji 新, meaning 'new'. Used in compounds and as a prefix. The historical dynasty sense derives from the Chinese name.