Spanish Conversation · Level 23
90 words
Spanish word
principal
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾinθiˈpal/
Meaning
- adjectivemain
Example
La razón principal es la falta de tiempo.
The main reason is the lack of time.
More examples
El objetivo principal es mejorar la comunicación diaria.
The main objective is to improve daily communication.
Core concept
The essential or leading aspect of something.
Common phrases
la razón principal
the main reason
el objetivo principal
the main objective
el problema principal
the main problem
Similar words
primario: Primary-position factor that comes first in rank, order, or priority.
fundamental: Core structural principle forming the basis on which other elements rest.
esencial: Essential quality without which something loses its defining nature or function.
importante: Important element that influences decisions or outcomes due to its weight.
Definition in Spanish
Que constituye la parte esencial o más destacada de algo.
Word origin
From Latin principālis (via princeps 'first' + -alis), used to mark what is primary or main.
Usage tips
- As an adjective principal agrees only in number (plural principales) and, while Spanish has the noun el/la principal meaning 'the main one', it rarely refers to a school principal.
Other meanings
- principalnoun
Opposites
- secundariosecondaryadjective
Related words
- principalmentemainlyadverb