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primera

pree-MEH-rahpɾiˈmeɾa

first

Also: prime, main
A line of three identical, colorful pink roses in a garden setting, with the leftmost rose glowing to indicate it is the first one in sequence.

📝 In Action

Es mi primera vez en México.

A1

It's my first time in Mexico.

La primera lección es sobre los saludos.

A1

The first lesson is about greetings.

Vivimos en la primera casa a la derecha.

A2

We live in the first house on the right.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • la primera vez – the first time
  • a primera vista – at first sight
  • de primera clase – first-class
  • primera dama – first lady

Idioms & Expressions

  • de primera mano – To know something directly from the source.
  • no tener ni la primera letra – To be completely ignorant about a subject.

the first one

Also: first gear
NounfA2
A hand pointing emphatically at the leftmost skirt hanging on a colorful clothing rack, representing the choice of 'the first one'.

📝 In Action

¿Qué falda te gusta más, esta o esa? — La primera.

A2

Which skirt do you like more, this one or that one? — The first one.

Para arrancar en una cuesta, tienes que poner primera.

B1

To start on a hill, you have to put it in first gear.

De todas las opciones, la primera es la mejor.

B1

Of all the options, the first one is the best.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • poner primera – to put in first gear
  • meter primera – to put/get into first gear

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "primera" in Spanish:

first gear→prime→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: primera

Question 1 of 1

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'La ___ vez que visité París fue inolvidable.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'primārius', which meant 'of the first rank, chief, principal'. It's related to 'prīmus', the Latin word for 'first'. You can see the family resemblance in English words like 'primary' and 'prime'.

First recorded: Around the 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: primeiraItalian: primaFrench: première

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'primera', 'primero', and 'primer'?

It's all about matching the word it describes! Use 'primera' for feminine things ('la primera casa'). Use 'primero' when it stands alone ('él llegó primero') or comes after a masculine word ('el piso primero'). Use 'primer' when it comes *before* a masculine word ('el primer día').

Can I say 'la primer persona'?

No, that's a common mistake. Because 'persona' is a feminine word, you must always use 'la primera persona'. The shortened form 'primer' is only for masculine words.