How to Say "prime" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “prime” is “primera” — use 'primera' when referring to something as the first or raw, like 'materia primera' (raw material). It's also used in simple phrases like 'mi primera vez' (my first time).
primera
pree-MEH-rahpɾiˈmeɾa
Examples
Es mi primera vez en México.
It's my first time in Mexico.
La primera lección es sobre los saludos.
The first lesson is about greetings.
Vivimos en la primera casa a la derecha.
We live in the first house on the right.
Matching with Feminine Words
'Primera' is the feminine form of 'primero'. You must use it with words that are feminine, like 'casa' (house), 'vez' (time), or 'persona' (person).
It Never Changes Before a Noun
The masculine form 'primero' changes to 'primer' before a masculine word (like 'primer día'). However, 'primera' always stays 'primera', it never shortens.
Using 'primero' for a feminine word
Mistake: “Es mi *primero* vez aquí.”
Correction: Es mi *primera* vez aquí. Because 'vez' is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also be feminine.
flor
florfloɾ
Examples
Estaba en la flor de su juventud cuando se hizo famoso.
He was in the prime of his youth when he became famous.
Esa novela representa la flor de la literatura de esa época.
That novel represents the cream of the literature of that era.
Fixed Phrase
This meaning is almost always found in the phrase 'la flor de...' (the prime of...), linking the concept to a time period or a group.
primo
PREE-mohˈpɾimo
Examples
El número siete es un número primo.
The number seven is a prime number.
Necesitamos mucha materia prima para la construcción de la casa.
We need a lot of raw material for the construction of the house.
Paired Nouns
This adjective is most often seen in specific fixed phrases like 'materia prima' (raw material) or 'número primo' (prime number), where it functions much like a technical descriptor.
plenitud
pleh-nee-TOODpleniˈtuð
Examples
A los 40 años, se sentía en la plenitud de su vida profesional.
At 40 years old, he felt in the prime of his professional life.
La luna brillaba en toda su plenitud sobre el océano.
The moon was shining in all its fullness over the ocean.
Alcanzó la plenitud espiritual tras años de meditación.
She reached spiritual wholeness after years of meditation.
Identifying Feminine Words
Words ending in '-tud' are almost always feminine (like 'la salud' or 'la actitud'). This means you use 'la' and matching feminine adjectives like 'plenitud total'.
Abstract vs. Physical Fullness
Use 'plenitud' for abstract ideas like happiness or a career. For physical things like a full glass, use the adjective 'lleno'.
Wrong word for 'full'
Mistake: “Estoy en mi plenitud después de comer mucho.”
Correction: Estoy muy lleno después de comer mucho.
Confusing 'flor' and 'plenitud'
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