Inklingo
← Dictionary

primeras

/pree-MEH-rahs/

first

An illustration showing two brightly colored butterflies flying side-by-side, clearly leading a third butterfly in a simple race toward a large, vibrant flower which serves as the finish line.

This illustrates the concept of being the 'first' ones (primeras) in a sequence or rank, often used as a feminine plural adjective.

primeras(adjective)

fA1

first

?

ordinal number (feminine plural)

,

earliest

?

referring to time or stages

Also:

initial

?

describing steps or actions

📝 In Action

Las primeras flores de primavera son hermosas.

A1

The first flowers of spring are beautiful.

Siempre leo las primeras páginas dos veces.

A2

I always read the first pages twice.

Tuvimos unas primeras impresiones excelentes de la ciudad.

B1

We had some excellent first impressions of the city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • iniciales (initial)
  • preliminares (preliminary)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • las primeras horas – the first hours
  • las primeras veces – the first times

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'primeras' must match the noun it describes. It is used when the noun is feminine and plural, such as 'historias' (stories) or 'mujeres' (women).

Base Form

The base word is 'primero' (masculine singular). When describing feminine things, it changes to 'primera' (singular) or 'primeras' (plural).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "Los primeras fotos (The first photos)"

Correction: Las primeras fotos. 'Fotos' (photos) is feminine, so use 'las primeras'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Positioning

Like most numbers and adjectives of order, 'primeras' almost always comes before the noun it modifies.

A row of ten identical red strawberries displayed on a green surface. The first three strawberries in the line are highlighted with a visible golden glow, setting them apart as 'the first ones'.

When used as a noun, 'primeras' means 'the first ones,' referring specifically back to the initial items of a previously mentioned feminine plural group.

primeras(noun)

fB1

the first ones

?

referring back to previously mentioned feminine plural items

Also:

early stages

?

used in idiomatic time expressions

📝 In Action

De todas las candidatas, las primeras eran las más calificadas.

B2

Of all the candidates, the first ones were the most qualified.

Llegó a primeras de la tarde y se fue enseguida.

B1

She arrived in the early afternoon and left immediately.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • a primeras de cambio – at the first opportunity/straight away
  • a primeras de la mañana – in the early morning

💡 Grammar Points

Acting as a Noun

When used without a noun (like 'the first ones'), the article 'las' makes 'primeras' function as a noun, taking the place of the thing being discussed.

⭐ Usage Tips

Memorize Phrases

The use of 'primeras' as a standalone noun is often tied to specific time phrases like 'a primeras de la mañana' (in the early morning). Memorizing the whole phrase helps with natural usage.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: primeras

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'primeras'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I use 'primeras' instead of 'primero'?

You use 'primeras' when you are describing a noun that is both feminine (like 'casa' or 'horas') and plural (more than one). If the noun is masculine (like 'días') or singular ('semana'), you would use a different form.

Is 'primeras' a number?

Yes, it is an ordinal number, meaning it tells the order or rank (first, second, third), not a quantity (one, two, three). It specifies which item in a sequence.