Greenhorn Meaning in English

word

US

ˈɡriːnhɔrn

GREEN-horn

UK

ɡɹˈiːnhɔːn

green-HAWN

Definition

A greenhorn is a person who is new and inexperienced at something, especially a job or activity.

Usage & Nuances

"Greenhorn" is informal, often used in American English, sometimes humorously or teasingly. It refers to someone just starting and lacking knowledge. Similar words are "rookie" (especially for sports or police), "newbie" (very informal, especially online). Rarely used for older adults.

• Spanish: novato - principiante
• Portuguese (BR): novato - principiante
• Portuguese (PT): novato - principiante
• Chinese (Simplified): 新手 - 初学者
• Chinese (Traditional): 新手 - 初學者
• Hindi: नवसिखुआ - नौसिखिया
• Arabic: مبتدئ - عديم الخبرة
• Bengali: নবাগত - অনভিজ্ঞ ব্যক্তি
• Russian: новичок - зелёный (человек)
• Japanese: 新人 - 初心者
• Vietnamese: người mới - lính mới
• Korean: 신참 - 초보자
• Turkish: acemi - çaylak
• Urdu: نوآموز - نیا شُروع کرنے والا
• Indonesian: orang baru - pemula

Example Sentences

He is a greenhorn at this company.

basic

The greenhorn made a mistake on his first day.

basic

Don’t worry, every greenhorn learns with time.

basic

Back then, I was a total greenhorn and had no idea what I was doing.

natural

You can spot a greenhorn by the way they ask a lot of questions.

natural

Don’t tease the greenhorn too much—everyone starts somewhere!

natural