Spanish word

primer

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾiˈmeɾ/

Meaning

  • adjectivefirst

Example

Este es mi primer libro.

This is my first book.

Illustration for primer (first)

More examples

Llegó el primer día de trabajo.

He arrived on the first day of work.

Core concept

Athlete on the top step of a winners' podium.

Common phrases

  • primer día

    first day

  • primer paso

    first step

  • primer hijo

    firstborn son

Similar words

primero: First in a sequence or point in time.
principal: Most important or central element in a group or situation.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa 'el primero' en una serie; ante un sustantivo masculino singular adopta la forma apocopada primer, y fuera de esa posición se usa la forma completa primero/primera.

Word origin

From Latin primus 'first' via Spanish primero, with the final -o dropped (apocope) when the adjective directly precedes a masculine singular noun, producing primer.

Usage tips

  • False friend with English primer: Spanish primer means 'first' and is unrelated to the English word for a paint undercoat or an introductory textbook.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word