primeramente
/pɾiˌmeɾaˈmente/
The Spanish word for 'first' (as an adverb meaning before anything else) can be expressed as primeramente or para empezar.
Meaning: before anything else (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| primeramente | /pɾiˌmeɾaˈmente/ |
| para empezar | /paɾa empeθaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /paɾa empesaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The phrase 'first' is used to indicate that something happens before other things. Para empezar acts as a discourse marker, often used to introduce the first point in a series of reasons or arguments, similar to 'first of all'. Other related terms include primer, which is the numeral form for 'first' (adj) and estreno, which refers to a 'first occurrence' (noun).
Which one should you use?
While both express the idea of 'first', they differ in tone. Primeramente is a formal adverb often used in structured speeches or formal writing. In contrast, para empezar is more common in spoken conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾiˌmeɾaˈmente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse these phrases with De primera mano, which means 'firsthand' or 'from a reliable source'.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Para empezar, es demasiado caro.First, it's too expensive.This sentence shows how to use para empezar to state a reason.Tatoeba #1245592 by wallebot, translation #1245111 by Eldad
- Para empezar, debemos despedirlo a él.First of all, we must dismiss him.This sentence demonstrates using para empezar to introduce a necessary action.Tatoeba #1291951 by marcelostockle, translation #32738 by AlanF_US
- Para empezar, tienes que dejar de fumar.First, you have to stop smoking.This sentence shows para empezar used to introduce a piece of advice.Tatoeba #907210 by leoruilova, translation #16285 by CK
- Es el primer día de clases.It's the first day of class.
- El primer paso es importante.The first step is important.
- En primer lugar, quiero agradecer a todos por su presencia.Firstly, I want to thank everyone for being here.
- Voy a llegar primero.I am going to arrive first.
- Primero, debemos hacer las compras.First, we need to do the shopping.
- Antes que nada, debes lavarte las manos.First of all, you need to wash your hands.
- Me enteré de la noticia de primera mano.I heard the news firsthand.
- Mañana, saldremos de viaje, primero Dios.Tomorrow, we'll go on a trip, God willing.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are planning a business trip.
- LucíaPrimeramente, tenemos que reservar el hotel.First of all, we have to book the hotel.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
- LucíaDespués, podemos buscar los vuelos.After that, we can look for flights.
- DanielDe acuerdo, yo busco los precios.Agreed, I will look for the prices.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “first” translations and entries primeramente, para empezar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries empezar, para, primeramente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
