novio

Novio is a masculine noun in Spanish that refers to a male partner in a romantic relationship. It is commonly used to describe a boyfriend or dating partner. In some contexts, it can also denote a fiancé or betrothed, but for formal engagement the terms prometido or prometida are preferred; regional usage varies and some speakers extend "novio" to an engaged partner as well. The feminine form is novia, used for a girlfriend or female partner.

Noviazgo refers to the state or period of being in a romantic relationship, typically with some degree of commitment or intention toward a longer-term union. In everyday speech, novios and novias distinguish a romantic partner from a casual acquaintance, though the line can blur with informal dating.

The word's etymology traces to Latin novus meaning new, via Old Spanish or early Spanish, reflecting the sense of a newly joined relationship.

Related terms include pareja (neutral for partner or couple), prometido/prometida (engaged partner), and cortejo (courtship).