Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say First in Spanish
Primero · adjective · pree-MEH-roh
The Spanish word for first is 'primero' (masculine) or 'primera' (feminine). Before a masculine singular noun, it shortens to 'primer' (e.g., 'el primer día'). It functions as both an ordinal number and an adverb meaning firstly.
Pronounce it as pree-MEH-roh, with three syllables and the stress on the second. The shortened form 'primer' drops the final 'o.'
Es la primera vez que visito España.
It is the first time I visit Spain.
first in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for first, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| primero | first | pree-MEH-roh | Default, widely understood |
| primera | first | feminine form | |
| primer | first | shortened form before masculine nouns |
How Native Speakers Use Primero
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Ordinal number
Vivo en el primer piso del edificio.
I live on the first floor of the building.
Describing where you live.
Sequence
Primero vamos al banco y luego al supermercado.
First we go to the bank and then to the supermarket.
Planning errands in order.
Achievement
Fue la primera mujer en ganar ese premio.
She was the first woman to win that award.
Celebrating a historic achievement.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Primero
Not shortening before noun
Incorrect: Es mi primero día de trabajo.
Correct: Es mi primer día de trabajo.
Before a masculine singular noun, 'primero' shortens to 'primer.' This rule is similar to 'bueno' becoming 'buen.'
Shortening before feminine noun
Incorrect: Es mi primer clase.
Correct: Es mi primera clase.
The shortened form 'primer' is only used before masculine nouns. Before feminine nouns, use the full form 'primera.'
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Common Questions About first in Spanish
- When does primero shorten to primer?
- The word 'primero' shortens to 'primer' only when placed directly before a masculine singular noun, such as 'el primer paso' (the first step), but remains 'primero' in all other positions.
- How do you say first of all in Spanish?
- The phrase 'primero que nada' or 'antes que nada' means first of all, and 'en primer lugar' is a more formal equivalent often used in writing and presentations.
- Is primero also used as an adverb?
- When used at the beginning of a sentence to indicate sequence, 'primero' functions as an adverb meaning firstly, as in 'primero estudia, después juega' (first study, then play).