How to Say "elementary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “elementary” is “elemental” — use 'elemental' when referring to something that is very simple, basic, or obvious, often implying it should be easily understood..
elemental
/eh-leh-men-TAHL//elemenˈtal/
Examples
Es un error elemental, deberías haberlo visto.
It's an elementary mistake, you should have seen it.
¡Elemental, mi querido Watson!
Elementary, my dear Watson!
La solución al problema resultó ser elemental.
The solution to the problem turned out to be elementary.
Describing Mistakes
When you use 'elemental' with nouns like 'error' or 'fallo,' it emphasizes that the mistake was so simple it shouldn't have happened.
Confusion with 'Elemento'
Mistake: “Es un elemento error.”
Correction: Es un error elemental. 'Elemento' is a noun (an element/thing), while 'elemental' is the adjective that describes the thing.
primario
/pree-MAH-ryoh//pɾiˈmaɾjo/
Examples
El rojo es un color primario.
Red is a primary color.
Los niños van a la escuela primaria.
Children go to elementary school.
Nuestra preocupación primaria es la seguridad.
Our primary concern is safety.
Matching the Noun
This word must match the gender of the thing it describes. Use 'primario' for masculine things and 'primaria' for feminine things like 'la escuela primaria'.
Where to put it
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing you are describing, like 'colores primarios'.
Confusing with 'Cousin'
Mistake: “Calling your cousin 'mi primario'.”
Correction: Use 'primo' for cousin. 'Primario' only describes things that are 'first' or 'basic'.
Confusing 'elemental' and 'primario'
Related Translations
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