How to Say "introductory" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “introductory” is “preliminar” — use 'preliminar' when referring to something that comes before the main event or action, like initial findings or steps..
preliminar
/pre-lee-mee-nar//pɾelimiˈnaɾ/
Examples
Los resultados preliminares del examen son muy buenos.
The preliminary results of the exam are very good.
El equipo ganó la fase preliminar del torneo.
The team won the preliminary phase of the tournament.
Hicieron una investigación preliminar antes de construir la casa.
They did a preliminary investigation before building the house.
One Form for All
This word stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing (un paso preliminar / una fase preliminar).
Placement
In most cases, you should place this word after the person or thing you are describing.
The 'O' Trap
Mistake: “un paso preliminario”
Correction: un paso preliminar; though many adjectives end in 'o', this one always ends in 'r'.
preparatorio
pre-pah-rah-TOH-ryoh/pɾepaɾaˈtoɾjo/
Examples
Estamos en la fase preparatoria del proyecto.
We are in the preparatory phase of the project.
Hizo un curso preparatorio para entrar a la universidad.
He took a preparatory course to enter the university.
Los atletas realizan ejercicios preparatorios antes de la carrera.
The athletes perform preparatory exercises before the race.
Matching the Noun
In Spanish, this word must match the gender of the thing it describes. Use 'preparatorio' for masculine things (un curso) and 'preparatoria' for feminine things (una fase).
Placement
This word usually comes after the person or thing it is describing, like 'el examen preparatorio'.
Describing People
Mistake: “Él es un hombre preparatorio.”
Correction: Él es un hombre preparado.
Preliminar vs. Preparatorio
Related Translations
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