priorizar
/pɾjoɾiˈθaɾ/
To prioritize in Spanish is priorizar.
The verb priorizar is used to mean arranging or listing things in order of importance. A common and natural alternative to this verb is the phrase dar prioridad a, which means to give priority to.
Meaning: to arrange or list in order of priority or importance (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the infinitive priorizar with direct object pronouns, you attach the pronoun to the end of the word. For a singular masculine object, use priorizarlo. For a singular feminine object, use priorizarla. To prioritize multiple masculine objects, use priorizar los and for multiple feminine objects, use priorizar las.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾjoɾiˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- While priorizar is common today, it was once considered an Anglicism and was avoided by linguistic purists who preferred the phrase dar prioridad a.
- The word prioridad comes from the Latin 'prior', which originally referred to someone who held a higher rank or position in a social hierarchy.
- When using priorizar in a list, Spanish speakers often use the expression poner en primer lugar, which literally means 'to put in first place'.
Examples in context
- Tenemos muchas ideas, pero debemos priorizarlas. No hay demasiado tiempo.We have a lot of ideas, but we have to prioritize them. There isn't too much time.This sentence shows how to use priorizar with the pronoun priorizarlas to refer to feminine plural objects.Tatoeba #2035018 by wallebot, translation #12654839 by rul
- Debemos dar prioridad a este proyecto para cumplir con los plazos establecidos.We must prioritize this project to meet the established deadlines.
- Antes de comenzar el proyecto, debemos establecer prioridades claras y realistas.Before starting the project, we need to establish clear and realistic priorities.
- Para el fin de semana, voy a poner en primer lugar mi descanso y pasar tiempo con la familia.For the weekend, I'm going to prioritize my rest and spend time with family.
- Hoy voy a dar preferencia a terminar mi trabajo antes de salir con amigos.Today I'm going to prioritize finishing my work before going out with friends.
- Debemos priorizar las tareas más urgentes hoy.We must prioritize the most urgent tasks today.
- Es difícil priorizar entre tantos proyectos nuevos.It is difficult to prioritize between so many new projects.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing their workload at the office.
- Javier¿Cómo vas con la lista de pendientes, Elena?How are you doing with the to-do list, Elena?
- ElenaTodavía tengo que priorizar mis objetivos para esta semana.I still have to prioritize my goals for this week.
- JavierSi quieres, te ayudo a organizarlos.If you want, I will help you organize them.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, me vendría muy bien.Thanks, Javier, that would be very helpful to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prioritize” translations and entries priorizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
