First of all
in SpanishPrimero que nada
/pree-MEH-roh keh NAH-dah/
This is the most direct and widely used translation for 'first of all.' It's perfect for starting a list, argument, or explanation in almost any context, from casual chats to formal speeches.
Using phrases like 'Primero que nada' or 'En primer lugar' is like holding up one finger—it clearly signals you're starting with your most important, initial point.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Antes que nada
/AHN-tehs keh NAH-dah/
Almost identical in meaning to 'Primero que nada.' It literally means 'before anything,' but it functions exactly like 'first of all' to introduce a primary point or condition.
En primer lugar
/ehn pree-MEHR loo-GAHR/
This means 'in the first place' and is a more structured, slightly formal way to say 'first of all.' It strongly implies you're about to list several points in order ('En segundo lugar...').
Para empezar
/PAH-rah ehm-peh-SAHR/
Meaning 'to begin' or 'to start with,' this is a fantastic, natural-sounding alternative. It's a common way to introduce the first topic in a conversation or explanation.
Primero
/pree-MEH-roh/
A short and simple 'first.' While it doesn't carry the full weight of 'first of all,' it's frequently used in casual conversation to introduce the first item in a sequence.
Primeramente
/pree-meh-rah-MEN-teh/
This is an adverb meaning 'firstly.' While grammatically correct, it can sound a bit stiff, academic, or old-fashioned in modern spoken Spanish. You'll see it more often in formal writing.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best phrase for your situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primero que nada | Neutral | Almost any situation; it's the most versatile and common choice. | Never, it's always a safe bet. |
| En primer lugar | Formal | Presentations, formal writing, and structured arguments with multiple points. | Very casual chats with close friends, where it can sound a bit stiff. |
| Para empezar | Neutral | Conversational explanations, telling stories, or casually listing reasons. | Highly formal or academic writing, where 'En primer lugar' is preferred. |
| Primero | Informal | Quick, casual lists of steps or reasons in a conversation. | Starting a formal speech or a complex, serious explanation. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The rolling 'r' in 'primero' and 'lugar' is the only minor challenge.
These are fixed phrases, so you don't need to worry about changing them. Just memorize them as they are.
The main nuance is choosing the right phrase for the formality of the situation (e.g., formal 'En primer lugar' vs. neutral 'Primero que nada').
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to avoid the literal translation 'primero de todo'.
- Choosing the correct level of formality for the context.
💡Examples in Action
Primero que nada, quiero agradecerles a todos por venir hoy.
First of all, I want to thank you all for coming today.
Para empezar, no estoy de acuerdo con el plan. Déjame explicarte por qué.
To start with, I don't agree with the plan. Let me explain why.
Hay varias razones para nuestra decisión. En primer lugar, el presupuesto es limitado. En segundo lugar, nos falta personal.
There are several reasons for our decision. In the first place, the budget is limited. In the second place, we lack personnel.
Antes que nada, ¿están todos bien? ¿Nadie se lastimó?
Before anything else, is everyone okay? Did anyone get hurt?
🌍Cultural Context
The Importance of Structuring Your Thoughts
Just like in English, using a transitional phrase like 'Primero que nada' or 'En primer lugar' is seen as a sign of clear, organized thinking. It signals to the listener that you have a structured argument or explanation, which is appreciated in both formal and informal contexts.
Formality Matters
Choosing between 'Primero que nada' (neutral) and 'En primer lugar' (formal) is a key way to set the tone. Using 'En primer lugar' with close friends might sound a bit stiff, while using 'Primero que nada' in a very formal legal document might be seen as too casual. Pay attention to your audience.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Direct Translation Trap
Mistake: "Saying 'primero de todo'."
Correction: Use 'primero que nada' or 'antes que nada'.
Overusing 'Primeramente'
Mistake: "Using 'primeramente' in everyday conversation."
Correction: Stick with 'primero' or 'para empezar' in casual chats.
💡Pro Tips
Set Up Your List
These phrases are perfect for starting a numbered list. Get comfortable following them up with 'segundo' (secondly), 'luego' (then), 'además' (furthermore), and 'por último' or 'finalmente' (finally). This will make your explanations sound incredibly fluent.
Use a Pause for Emphasis
When speaking, native speakers often use a slight pause right after saying one of these phrases. For example: 'Primero que nada... (pause) ...tenemos que hablar.' This little pause gives weight to your statement and signals that an important point is coming.
🗺️Regional Variations
Universal
These phrases are remarkably consistent across the entire Spanish-speaking world. You can use 'Primero que nada' and 'Antes que nada' in any country and be perfectly understood. The main variation is not regional, but situational (formal vs. informal).
Spain
While all versions are used, 'En primer lugar' is very common in formal and semi-formal speech and writing. 'Antes que nada' also feels very natural and is used frequently in daily conversation.
Mexico
'Primero que nada' is extremely common and versatile in Mexico, used from street conversations to business meetings. 'Para empezar' is also a very popular and natural-sounding choice for starting an explanation.
💬What Comes Next?
After you introduce your first point
Vale, te escucho.
Okay, I'm listening.
Bueno, el problema es que...
Well, the problem is that...
After you state your first point and are ready for the next one
¿Y qué más?
And what else?
En segundo lugar, necesitamos más tiempo.
Secondly, we need more time.
🧠Memory Tricks
This silly visual connects 'primero' (prime) with the idea of it coming before 'nada' (nothing/anything else), reinforcing its meaning as 'first of all'.
This direct link between 'lugar' and 'place' helps you recall that this phrase is used for putting things in their proper, numbered order, which is perfect for formal arguments.
🔄How It Differs from English
The main conceptual difference is that Spanish avoids the direct, word-for-word translation 'primero de todo.' Instead, it uses phrases that mean 'first than nothing' ('primero que nada') or 'before anything' ('antes que nada'), which emphasizes the absolute priority of the first point.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: The direct Spanish translation 'primero de todo' is a common error made by English speakers. While understandable, it sounds unnatural and is a clear sign of a non-native speaker.
Use instead: Always opt for 'primero que nada,' 'antes que nada,' or 'en primer lugar' to sound fluent and natural.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
In the second place / Secondly
This is the natural next step after you've made your first point with 'En primer lugar'.
Then / Next
A crucial word for sequencing events or steps after you've introduced the first one.
Furthermore / Also
Use this to add another point of similar importance to your argument.
Finally / Lastly
This completes your list or argument, making it the perfect bookend to 'First of all'.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: First of all
Question 1 of 3
You are starting a formal business presentation for your colleagues. Which phrase is the most appropriate to introduce your first point?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'Primero que nada' and 'Antes que nada'?
Honestly, there's almost no difference in everyday use. They are virtually interchangeable. Some people might feel 'Antes que nada' (before anything) has a slightly more urgent or foundational tone, but you can use either one in the same situations without any issue.
Is 'En primer lugar' too formal to use with friends?
Generally, yes. It can sound a bit like you're giving a lecture or a formal speech. For friends and casual conversation, it's much more natural to use 'Primero que nada,' 'Para empezar,' or just 'Primero...'
I hear people say 'Primero de todo'. Is it really that bad to use?
It's not 'bad' in the sense that people won't understand you—they will. However, it's a very common marker of an English speaker learning Spanish. Using 'Primero que nada' instead is a small change that will make your Spanish sound much more fluent and natural.
How do I say 'secondly' and 'thirdly' after using 'En primer lugar'?
It's very easy! You just continue the pattern: 'En segundo lugar' (In the second place), 'En tercer lugar' (In the third place), and so on. This creates a very clear and organized structure for your argument.
Can I just say 'Primero' by itself?
Absolutely, but it's more informal. It works best when you're quickly listing things in a conversation. For example, 'Tenemos que hacer tres cosas. Primero, llamar a Ana. Segundo, ir al banco...'. It's like saying 'First...' instead of 'First of all...' in English.
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