primero
/pɾiˈmeɾo/
The Spanish word primero means first.
primero refers to the position of being before all others in a sequence. It can also be used as an adverb meaning 'firstly' or 'first of all' when you are beginning a list of actions.
Which one should you use?
While primero is a general term for 'first' in a sequence, it can also function as an adverb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal phrase De entrada is used to mean 'first of all' instead of using en primer lugar or primero que nada.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. You should change primero to primera when modifying a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾiˈmeɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, primero is used in the phrase primero Dios to express that something will happen provided God wills it.
- The word primero is a doublet of the English word 'primary', as both are descendants of the Latin prīmārius.
- In the world of performing arts, calling someone a primera is a specific way to refer to the 'leading lady' or the star of a show.
Examples in context
- En primer lugar, me gustaría agradecerles a todos por su presencia hoy.In the first place, I would like to thank you all for your presence today.
- Antes que nada, quisiera destacar la importancia de esta reunión.Before anything else, I would like to highlight the importance of this meeting.
- Primero que nada, ¿te gustaría tomar algo?First of all, would you like to drink something?
- En primerísimo lugar, quiero agradecerte por tu amabilidad inigualable.First of all, I want to thank you for your incomparable kindness.
- En primerísima instancia, deberías hablar con tu familia sobre este asunto.In the first instance, you should talk to your family about this matter.
- De entrada, quiero agradecerte tu apoyo en este proyecto.First of all, I want to thank you for your support in this project.
- Primero, voy al supermercado.First, I go to the supermarket.
- Él llegó primero a la fiesta.He arrived first at the party.
- Mi hermano es el primero de la clase.My brother is the first in the class.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a race they watched.
- Alejandro¿Quién ganó la carrera, Lucía?Who won the race, Lucía?
- LucíaEl corredor azul fue el primero.The blue runner was the first.
- Alejandro¡Qué rápido fue él!He was so fast!
- LucíaSí, llegó primero por mucho.Yes, he arrived first by a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry primero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries primero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
