el primero de mayo
/el pɾimeɾo de maʝo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the first of may" is translated into Spanish as el primero de mayo.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using el primero de mayo, the final -o in primero is typically retained. In some dialects or specific syntactic positions, primero may elide to primer if it is followed immediately by a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/el pɾimeɾo de maʝo/
Did you know?
- While el primero is standard for the first of the month, most other dates in Spanish use cardinal numbers, such as el dos de mayo for 'the second of May'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, el primero de mayo is synonymous with 'International Workers' Day', often celebrated with large street marches and strikes.
- In Spanish, months like mayo are not capitalized when written in the middle of a sentence, unlike the English 'May'.
Examples in context
- El primero de mayo es festivo.The first of May is a holiday.
- Tenemos una fiesta el primero de mayo.We have a party on the first of May.
- No trabajo el primero de mayo.I do not work on the first of May.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are planning a trip.
- Daniel¿Cuándo quieres viajar, Elena?When do you want to travel, Elena?
- ElenaQuiero salir el primero de mayo.I want to leave on the first of May.
- DanielPerfecto, voy a comprar los boletos.Perfect, I am going to buy the tickets.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel. ¡Qué emoción!Thanks, Daniel. How exciting!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
