1.
newcomer; novice; beginner
A person who is new to a job, skill, or role.
まだ新米なので、ミスが多い。
I'm still a beginner, so I make a lot of mistakes.
新米教師として緊張している。
I'm nervous as a new teacher.
新米ドライバーだから、運転がまだ上手ではない。
I'm a beginner driver, so I'm not good at driving yet.
新米のころは毎日覚えることがたくさんあって大変だった。
When I was a newcomer, there was so much to learn every day that it was tough.
新米だからといって遠慮する必要はない。自分の意見をどんどん言ってほしい。
Just because you're new doesn't mean you have to hold back. I want you to share your opinions freely.
2.
new rice; newly harvested rice
Rice from the most recent harvest.
秋になると新米が出回る。
New rice comes out in autumn.
新米はやっぱりおいしい。
New rice really is delicious.
今年の新米はもう届きましたか。
Has this year's new rice arrived yet?
新米の季節になると、毎年実家から送ってもらう。
When new rice season comes, I have it sent from my parents' house every year.
新米は水を少し少なめにして炊くと、ちょうどいい硬さになる。
If you cook new rice with a little less water, it turns out just the right firmness.
新米 has two meanings: a newcomer/novice (sense 1) and newly harvested rice (sense 2). The "newcomer" sense is a metaphor from new rice — fresh but not yet seasoned.
FORMATION:
新 (new) + 米 (rice)
SENSE 1 — NEWCOMER:
- 新米社員: new employee
- 新米教師: novice teacher
- 新米ドライバー: beginner driver
- 新米ママ: new mom
- Antonyms: ベテラン (veteran), 古株 (old-timer)
SENSE 2 — NEW RICE:
- 新米の季節: new rice season (autumn)
- 新米が出回る: new rice comes to market
- Antonym: 古米 (old rice, from previous harvest)
USAGE:
The "newcomer" sense is more common in everyday conversation. It is slightly informal and somewhat self-deprecating: まだ新米なので (I'm still a beginner, so...).
Related Words
Antonym:
古株 (old-timer)