primeros
“primeros” means “first” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
first, early
Also: initial
📝 In Action
Los primeros días de vacaciones siempre son los mejores.
A1The first days of vacation are always the best.
Necesitamos revisar los primeros capítulos del libro.
A2We need to review the first chapters of the book.
Llegamos en los primeros minutos de la película.
A2We arrived in the early minutes of the movie.
the first ones
Also: starters
📝 In Action
Los primeros en terminar la carrera recibirán un premio.
B1The first ones to finish the race will receive a prize.
Ya hemos comido los primeros; ahora traiga los segundos.
B2We have already eaten the starters; now bring the main courses.
Queremos ver los resultados. ¿Dónde están los primeros?
B1We want to see the results. Where are the first ones?
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: primeros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'primeros' as a noun, referring to people?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *primarius*, meaning 'chief,' 'principal,' or 'of the first rank.' It has been used in Spanish since the earliest days of the language.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'primeros' the opposite of 'últimos'?
Yes, 'primeros' means 'first' (in sequence, time, or rank), while 'últimos' means 'last' or 'final.' They are direct opposites in most contexts.
Why does the singular form 'primero' lose its 'o' sometimes, but 'primeros' never does?
The singular masculine form drops the 'o' to become 'primer' only when placed immediately before a masculine singular noun (e.g., *el primer día*). This shortening rule only applies to the singular form; the plural form 'primeros' always stays complete.