principiante
beginner
noun preen-see-PYAHN-teh Rare
Origin: From principio (beginning) + -ante, agentive suffix.
Also means
novice
Usage Note
Principiante is both masculine and feminine (el/la principiante), making it a common-gender noun. It can also function as an adjective (un cocinero principiante, a beginner cook). It is neutral in register and widely used across Spain and Latin America. The related noun principio means 'beginning' or 'principle', so the word's derivation—one who is at the beginning—is transparent.
Examples
"El curso está diseñado para principiantes sin experiencia previa."
Natural Translation
The course is designed for beginners with no prior experience.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read