Neuf vs. nouveau vs. nouvel vs. nouvelle

Word practice demo
The French adjectives 'neuf', 'nouveau', 'nouvel', and 'nouvelle' all translate to 'new' in English, but they are used differently depending on the context and the gender or number of the nouns they modify. Understanding when and how to use each of these is crucial for correct French expression.

Neuf

'Neuf' generally refers to something that is brand new or unused. It also denotes the number nine but is not relevant in this context.
J'ai acheté une voiture neuve.
(I bought a brand new car.)
Ces chaussures sont encore neuves!
(These shoes are still new!)

Nouveau

'Nouveau' is used before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant or an aspirated h. It indicates that something is new in the sense that it is recent or has been added recently.
Il y a un nouveau restaurant en ville.
(There is a new restaurant in town.)
Nous avons un nouveau voisin.
(We have a new neighbor.)

Nouvel

'Nouvel' is a special form of 'nouveau' used before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or a mute h, for ease of pronunciation.
C'est un nouvel élève dans ma classe.
(He's a new student in my class.)
J'ai lu un nouvel article intéressant.
(I read an interesting new article.)

Nouvelle

'Nouvelle' is the feminine form of 'nouveau' and modifies feminine singular nouns, reflecting something newly introduced or recently changed.
Elle porte sa nouvelle robe aujourd'hui.
(She is wearing her new dress today.)
La nouvelle directrice commence demain.
(The new director starts tomorrow.)

Summary

To summarize, 'neuf' refers to something entirely brand new or unused, whereas 'nouveau', 'nouvel', and 'nouvelle' are used to describe something new in terms of recency or addition to what already exists, with 'nouveau' for masculine nouns beginning with consonants, 'nouvel' for ease of pronunciation before vowels or mute h in masculine nouns, and 'nouvelle' for feminine nouns regardless of following sounds. Understanding the appropriate contexts for these terms ensures accurate and nuanced communication in French.