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How to Say "early stages" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pañales

nounA2figurative
Use 'en pañales' (in diapers) figuratively to describe something that is in its very initial phase, undeveloped, or just starting out.

Examples

El plan aún está en pañales; necesitamos más detalles.

The plan is still in diapers; we need more details.

pañal

nounB2figurative
Use 'en pañal' (in diaper) to describe a project or idea that is in its absolute infancy and has not yet developed significantly.

Examples

El proyecto de inteligencia artificial aún está en pañal.

The artificial intelligence project is still in its infancy.

primeras

pree-MEH-rahspɾiˈmeɾas

nounB1idiomatic
Use 'las primeras' (the first ones) when referring to the initial group or set of people or things, often in a comparative or ranking context.
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'.

Examples

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

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

Llegó a primeras de la tarde y se fue enseguida.

She arrived in the early afternoon and left immediately.

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.

Figurative vs. Idiomatic Use

Learners often confuse 'en pañales' (figurative) with 'las primeras' (idiomatic). Remember that 'en pañales' specifically means 'in its infancy' or 'just starting', while 'las primeras' refers to the initial group or set of something.

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