primero de marzo
/pɾimeɾo de maɾθo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "march first" is translated into Spanish as primero de marzo.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the date as a subject or object in a full sentence, it is common to include the definite article el before the phrase, as in el primero de marzo. In written Spanish, the number 1 is often written as a digit followed by de and the month, such as el 1 de marzo, rather than using the ordinal primero.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾimeɾo de maɾθo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word order of "month + ordinal number" (marzo primero). In Spanish, the standard order is ordinal + de + month.
Did you know?
- While primero is used for the first of the month, Spanish speakers switch to cardinal numbers for every other day, saying dos de marzo instead of 'second'.
- Unlike English where 'March' is capitalized, the word marzo is written with a lowercase letter in Spanish unless it starts a sentence.
- The word marzo and the English word 'March' are distant cousins. They both trace their lineage back to the same Proto-Italic roots involving the god Mars.
Examples in context
- Hoy es uno de marzo y necesito entregar el informe.Today is March First, and I need to submit the report.
- La reunión está programada para el primero de marzo.The meeting is scheduled for the first of March.
- Vamos a celebrar mi cumpleaños el primero de marzo.We are going to celebrate my birthday on March First.
- Mi cumpleaños es el primero de marzo.My birthday is March first.
- La reunión será el primero de marzo.The meeting will be on March first.
- Debes entregar el informe el primero de marzo.You must submit the report on March first.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a calendar.
- María¿Cuándo es el examen, Alejandro?When is the exam, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEl examen es el primero de marzo.The exam is on March first.
- MaríaTengo tiempo para estudiar entonces.I have time to study then.
- AlejandroSí, todavía falta mucho tiempo.Yes, there is still plenty of time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, marzo, primero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
