How to Say "priority" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “priority” is “prioridad” — use 'prioridad' when referring to something that is more important or urgent than other things, indicating its high rank in a list of tasks or concerns..
prioridad
pree-oh-ree-DAHD/pɾjo.ɾiˈðað/
Examples
Mi prioridad ahora es terminar este proyecto.
My priority now is to finish this project.
La seguridad de los pasajeros tiene la máxima prioridad.
Passenger safety has the highest priority.
Debemos establecer las prioridades antes de empezar a trabajar.
We must establish the priorities before starting to work.
Feminine Noun Ending in -dad
Words that end in '-dad' (like 'ciudad', 'libertad', 'prioridad') are always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with them.
Using the Preposition 'A'
When you 'give priority' to something, you need the preposition 'a': 'dar prioridad a algo' (to give priority to something).
Pronouncing the Final 'D'
Mistake: “Pronouncing the final 'd' like a hard English 'd' (as in 'dog').”
Correction: In Spanish, the final 'd' in words like 'prioridad' is very soft, almost like the 'th' in the English word 'the'. Practice softening that sound.
prioritario
/pree-oh-ree-tah-ryoh//pɾjoɾiˈtaɾjo/
Examples
Este proyecto es prioritario para la empresa.
This project is a priority for the company.
Debemos dar atención prioritaria a las personas mayores.
We must give priority attention to elderly people.
El gobierno ha definido sus objetivos prioritarios para este año.
The government has defined its priority objectives for this year.
Placement after the noun
In Spanish, you usually put 'prioritario' after the person or thing you are describing, like 'un asunto prioritario' (a priority matter).
Matching gender and number
The ending changes to 'prioritaria' for feminine words and adds an 's' for plurals (prioritarios/prioritarias).
Adjective vs. Noun
Mistake: “Esto es una prioritario.”
Correction: Esto es una prioridad (noun) or Esto es prioritario (adjective). Use 'prioridad' for 'the priority' and 'prioritario' for 'is a priority'.
preocupación
Examples
La seguridad de los datos es nuestra principal preocupación.
Data security is our main concern (or priority).
preferencia
/pray-fay-RAIN-syah//pɾefeˈɾenθja/
Examples
En este cruce, los peatones tienen preferencia.
In this crossing, pedestrians have the right of way.
El coche azul no respetó la preferencia.
The blue car did not respect the right of way.
Tienen preferencia las familias con niños.
Families with children have priority.
Priority in Actions
When used for 'right of way', we usually use the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'dar' (to give).
Confusing with 'preferente'
Mistake: “Soy un cliente preferencia.”
Correction: Soy un cliente preferente. Use 'preferencia' for the concept of priority, but 'preferente' as a label for a person or seat.
anterioridad
/an-te-ryo-ree-DAHD//anteɾjoɾiˈðad/
Examples
Debes reservar tu entrada con anterioridad.
You must book your ticket in advance.
No teníamos conocimiento de los cambios con anterioridad a la reunión.
We had no knowledge of the changes prior to the meeting.
La anterioridad de su llegada le dio una ventaja clara.
The fact that he arrived earlier gave him a clear advantage.
Using 'Con Anterioridad' like an Adverb
Even though 'anterioridad' is a noun, the phrase 'con anterioridad' is used exactly like the word 'previously' or 'beforehand' in English.
The '-dad' Gender Rule
Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish, so you use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Using 'anterioridad' alone
Mistake: “Hice la reserva anterioridad.”
Correction: Hice la reserva con anterioridad.
Prioridad vs. Preferencia vs. Anterioridad
Related Translations
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