Spanish Conversation · Level 29
89 words
Spanish word
principio
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾinˈθipjo/
Meaning
- masculine nounbeginning
Example
Al principio, no entendía las instrucciones.
At the beginning, I didn't understand the instructions.
More examples
Desde el principio supimos que el proyecto sería difícil.
From the beginning we knew the project would be difficult.
Core concept
Initial point.
Common phrases
al principio
at the beginning
Similar words
comienzo: First instant when an event or action begins.
inicio: First time point marking the start of an activity or period.
Definition in Spanish
Punto de inicio o norma fundamental; puede referirse al comienzo o a una regla básica.
Word origin
From Latin principium 'beginning' via princeps 'first', the term alternates between a concrete initial point and an abstract guiding rule in Spanish.
Usage tips
- For 'at the beginning' Spanish uses al principio, for 'at the start of (a month or period)' it uses a principios de, and forms without the article (a principio) are not standard in modern usage.
Other meanings
- principlenoun
Opposites
- finendnoun
- conclusiónconclusionnoun
Related words
- principiantebeginnernoun
- principalmainadjective
- principiarbeginverb