Inklingo
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principales

/preen-see-PAH-lehs/

main

A very large, brightly colored red apple sitting prominently in the center of a wooden table, surrounded by three tiny, dull green grapes.

This large, central apple represents something that is 'main' or 'most important'.

principales(Adjective)

m/fA1

main

?

most important

,

principal

?

chief or primary

Also:

major

?

significant or large scale

,

chief

?

top rank

📝 In Action

Estas son las razones principales de mi decisión.

A1

These are the main reasons for my decision.

Necesitamos enfocarnos en los problemas principales ahora.

A2

We need to focus on the principal problems now.

Hay tres ingredientes principales en esta receta.

B1

There are three major ingredients in this recipe.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fundamentales (fundamental)
  • esenciales (essential)

Antonyms

  • secundarios (secondary)
  • menores (minor)

Common Collocations

  • ideas principales – main ideas
  • calles principales – main streets

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement is Key

Since 'principales' is plural, it must be used with plural nouns, whether they are masculine (los problemas principales) or feminine (las ideas principales).

One Form for Both Genders

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'principal' (and 'principales') uses the exact same form whether the noun is masculine or feminine.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Plural

Mistake: "Los problemas principal."

Correction: Los problemas principales. Remember to match the '-es' ending to the plural noun.

⭐ Usage Tips

Placing the Adjective

Like many descriptive adjectives, 'principales' usually follows the noun it describes, as in 'los temas principales'.

Three large, sparkling gold stars placed prominently on a grassy knoll, while several small, plain gray stones rest below the knoll.

These three prominent gold stars are 'the main ones' selected from a larger group.

principales(Noun)

m/fB1

the main ones

?

referring to a group of things

,

the leaders

?

referring to people in charge

Also:

main floor

?

Architecture (often used in Spain)

📝 In Action

Los principales de la compañía asistieron a la reunión.

B2

The leaders of the company attended the meeting.

De todos los puntos, solo cubrimos los principales.

B1

Out of all the points, we only covered the main ones.

Mi abuela vive en los principales del edificio.

B2

My grandmother lives on the main floor of the building. (Common in Spain)

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • jefes (bosses)
  • dirigentes (directors)

💡 Grammar Points

When an Adjective Becomes a Noun

When you use 'principales' right after a definite article (like 'los' or 'las') and without a noun following it, it turns into a noun meaning 'the main people' or 'the main things' that were previously mentioned.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: principales

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'principales' as an adjective?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'principales' masculine or feminine?

'Principales' is neutral in gender. It is the plural form of 'principal' and is used to describe both masculine nouns (los problemas principales) and feminine nouns (las ciudades principales). You only need to worry about making sure the noun is plural.

What is the difference between 'principal' and 'principales'?

The difference is simply number. 'Principal' is used for one thing (singular), and 'principales' is used for two or more things (plural). The meaning ('main' or 'chief') stays the same.