en segundo lugar
/en seɡundo luɡaɾ/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'secondly' is translated into Spanish as en segundo lugar.
Meaning: in the second place (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition en (in), the ordinal number segundo (second) and the noun lugar (place).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may also encounter the alternative phrase En segundo término to mean 'secondly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective segundo must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, though in the fixed phrase en segundo lugar, it is always masculine because lugar is masculine. In other contexts, the adjective can appear as segundo or segunda depending on the gender of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/en seɡundo luɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word segundo is a doublet of the word según, which means 'according to'. Both stem from the same Latin root regarding following or sequence.
- While en segundo lugar means 'secondly', the word segundo also means 'second' when talking about time. One segundo is exactly one second on a clock.
- In Spanish, segundo can also mean 'secondary' or 'less important'. For example, a plano segundo in film or art refers to a background plane.
Examples in context
- Primero, debemos analizar los datos. En segundo lugar, propondremos soluciones viables.First, we must analyze the data. Secondly, we will propose viable solutions.
- El análisis estadístico es fundamental para comprender el fenómeno. Seguidamente, estudiaremos los efectos a largo plazo.Statistical analysis is fundamental to understanding the phenomenon. Next, we will study the long-term effects.
- Vamos a visitar varios lugares turísticos. A continuación, disfrutaremos de una cena típica.We are going to visit several tourist places. Next, we will enjoy a typical dinner.
- Nos enfrentamos a un reto importante. En primer lugar, debemos analizar la situación. En segundo término, propondremos soluciones.We face an important challenge. In the first place, we must analyze the situation. In the second place, we will propose solutions.
- En primer lugar, quiero agradecerles. En segundo lugar, quiero presentar el proyecto.Firstly, I want to thank you, secondly, I want to present the project.
- En segundo lugar, debemos ahorrar dinero.Secondly, we must save money.
- Primero es el precio y, en segundo lugar, la calidad.First is the price and, secondly, the quality.
- En segundo lugar, quiero agradecer a mi familia.Secondly, I want to thank my family.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing the steps for a project.
- ElenaPrimero, hay que investigar el tema.First, we have to research the topic.
- Daniel¿Y en segundo lugar, qué haremos?And secondly, what will we do?
- ElenaEn segundo lugar, escribiremos el informe.Secondly, we will write the report.
- DanielDe acuerdo, Elena, me parece bien.Okay, Elena, sounds good to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secondly” translations, 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 en, lugar, segundo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
