adjective HSK 1
new · fresh · novel · recently
Meaning
新 is one of the most fundamental adjectives in Mandarin, meaning 'new' in contrast to old or used. It describes things that are recent, fresh, unused, or modern. The character shows an axe (斤) cutting wood (立 + 木), symbolizing freshly cut timber.
Usage
新 is extremely common in everyday speech and appears in countless compounds. It can modify nouns directly (新书 'new book') or appear in set phrases. When describing people, 新 typically refers to their status or role (新人 'newcomer') rather than their physical newness. It often combines with other characters to form words related to renewal and modernity.
Examples
- 01我买了一台新电脑。.I bought a new computer.
- 02她穿着新衣服去参加婚礼。.She wore new clothes to attend the wedding.
Common collocations
- 新年New Year
- 新闻news
- 新的new one(s)
- 全新brand new, completely new
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 斤 (axe) with 立 (stand) and 木 (wood/tree), depicting freshly cut timber, symbolizing something new and unused.