primo
/ˈpɾimo/
In Spanish, the English word 'prime' (mathematics) is primo.
In a mathematical context, primo is an adjective used to describe a number that has no factors except itself and unity. In various other contexts, the word principal can be used to convey the concept of 'prime'.
Meaning: mathematics: having no factors except itself and unity (adj)
Which one should you use?
While primo is used for mathematical prime numbers, note that in non-mathematical contexts, primo is the standard Spanish word for 'cousin'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾimo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone 'mi primo' can be a friendly way to address a stranger, much like 'mate' or 'dude'.
- In Spanish music theory, the term primo is sometimes used to refer to the first violin or the lead part in a musical arrangement.
- The mathematical term primo traces back to the Latin word for 'first' or 'foremost', the same root as the English 'primary'.
Examples in context
- El once es un número primo.Eleven is a prime number.This sentence shows how to identify a specific prime number using primo.Tatoeba #2624753 by Shishir, translation #2619455 by orcrist
- El uno no es un número primo.One is not a prime number.This sentence demonstrates that one is not considered a prime number using primo.Tatoeba #4998396 by jabujavi, translation #4996832 by Hybrid
- ¿Cuáles son los números primos?Which are the prime numbers?This sentence is useful for asking which numbers are prime using primo.Tatoeba #1046280 by hayastan, translation #1135665 by CM
- La idea principal del proyecto es promover la sostenibilidad en la comunidad.The main idea of the project is to promote sustainability within the community.
- El número 17 es un número primo.The number 17 is a prime number.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are studying for a math exam.
- AlejandroElena, ¿el siete es un número primo?Elena, is seven a prime number?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, es un número primo.Yes, Alejandro, it is a prime number.
- Alejandro¿Y el nueve?And nine?
- ElenaNo, el nueve no es primo.No, nine is not prime.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prime” translations and entries primo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
