What Does Primera Mean In Spanish

Unpacking the Meaning of "Primera" in Spanish: More Than Just "First"

This article delves into the multifaceted meaning and usage of the Spanish word "primera," going beyond its simple translation as "first." While "first" is the most common and straightforward interpretation, understanding the nuances of "primera" requires exploring its grammatical function, contextual variations, and idiomatic expressions. We'll dissect its role as an ordinal number, an adjective, and even a noun, offering clear examples to illustrate its diverse applications in everyday Spanish.

Primera as an Ordinal Number: Indicating Position

The most basic understanding of "primera" is its function as the feminine singular form of the ordinal number "first." It signifies the initial position in a sequence or order.

Example 1: "La primera vez que fui a España fue increíble." (The first time I went to Spain was incredible.) Here, "primera" clearly indicates the initial occurrence of an event.

Example 2: "Ella ocupó la primera posición en la carrera." (She occupied the first position in the race.) In this instance, "primera" specifies the leading rank.

It's crucial to note that Spanish ordinal numbers agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Thus, for masculine singular nouns, you would use "primero" (e.g., "el primer día" – the first day). For plural nouns, you'd use "primeros" (masculine) or "primeras" (feminine).

Primera as an Adjective: Describing a Quality or Characteristic

Beyond its numerical role, "primera" can also function as an adjective, qualifying a noun with a connotation of "top-tier," "primary," or "leading." This usage often conveys a sense of importance or precedence.

Example 3: "Es una primera edición del libro." (It's a first edition of the book.) Here, "primera" doesn't just denote the order of publication but also implies its value and rarity.

Example 4: "La primera dama del país visitó la escuela." (The first lady of the country visited the school.) Here, "primera dama" functions as a proper noun, referring to the wife of the head of state. "Primera" highlights her significant role.

This adjectival use is often subtly different from simply indicating order. It emphasizes the prominence or significance of the thing being described.

Primera as a Noun: Representing a Specific Entity

In certain contexts, "primera" can even function as a noun, often shortened to "la primera." This usually refers to a specific event, instance, or person holding a top position.

Example 5: "La primera fue una experiencia inolvidable." (The first one was an unforgettable experience.) Here, "la primera" acts as a noun, referring to the first event in a series.

Example 6: "Él es la primera espada de la compañía." (He's the top performer of the company.) Here, "la primera espada" is an idiom meaning "top performer" or "leading figure."

Idiomatic Expressions with "Primera"

"Primera" features in several common Spanish idioms that further showcase its versatility. Understanding these expressions is crucial for grasping the full range of its usage. For instance, "a primera vista" (at first sight) or "de primera" (first-rate, excellent) don't directly translate to "first view" or "of first," but rather convey specific meanings.

Conclusion

The Spanish word "primera" proves to be much more than a simple translation of "first." Its grammatical flexibility allows it to function as an ordinal number, an adjective, and even a noun, depending on the context. Understanding its subtle nuances – its ability to convey not only sequence but also importance and quality – is key to mastering conversational and written Spanish. Its use in idiomatic expressions further demonstrates its richness and versatility within the language.

FAQs:

1. Is "primera" always feminine? Yes, "primera" is always feminine. For masculine nouns, you use "primero," and for plural nouns, "primeros" or "primeras."

2. How does "primera" differ from "principal"? While both suggest importance, "primera" emphasizes the order or position, while "principal" highlights the main or most important aspect regardless of its position in a sequence.

3. Can "primera" be used with abstract nouns? Yes, "primera" can be used with abstract nouns, as in "la primera impresión" (the first impression).

4. What's the difference between "a primera vista" and "al principio"? "A primera vista" emphasizes a quick, initial visual impression, while "al principio" refers to the beginning of a process or event.

5. How can I improve my understanding of "primera"? Immerse yourself in Spanish media, read extensively, and pay close attention to how "primera" is used in different contexts. Practice using it in sentences to solidify your understanding.

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"primera" in English - Spanish Dictionary Meaning and examples for 'primera' in Spanish-English dictionary. √ 100% FREE. √ Over 1,500,000 translations. √ Fast and Easy to use.

What is primera? - Tradukka adj. Que precede a los demás de su especie en orden, tiempo, lugar, situación, clase, etc.: Luis fue el primero en venir. Excelente, grande, que sobresale y excede a otros. Antiguo, anterior: …

What does la primera mean in Spanish? - WordHippo Need to translate "la primera" from Spanish? Here's what it means.

PRIMERA - English translation - Longman - Longman Dictionary … primera sustantivo 1 (velocidad) first gear • Pon primera. Put it in first. 2 (en un avión, tren) first class • Este es el vagón de primera. This is the first-class car. viajar en primera to travel first …

English translation of 'primera' - Collins Online Dictionary English Translation of “PRIMERA” | The official Collins Spanish-English Dictionary online. Over 100,000 English translations of Spanish words and phrases.

primero | first in Spanish - Simplified Spanish "Primeros" is the plural masculine form ("los primeros pasos" = the first steps) "Primero" is the noun ("Él es el primero." = He is the first.). "Primera" is the feminine form and can serve both …

Primera | Spanish to English Translation - SpanishDictionary.com Translate Primera. See 3 authoritative translations of Primera in English with example sentences, phrases and audio pronunciations.

How to Say “First” in Spanish? What is the meaning of “Primer”? What does Primer mean in English? Spanish translations and examples in context. Example Sentences with Sound Clips. La primera a la derecha... The first on the right... Él dio sus …

primera meaning in English - DictZone Spanish English; primera adjective {f} former + (first of aforementioned two items) adjective [UK: ˈfɔː.mə(r)] [US: ˈfɔːr.mər]Of your two suggestions, I think I prefer the former. = De sus dos …

What Is Primera in Spanish | Spanish to Go 27 Oct 2022 · “Primera” is a term that has different meanings in Spanish, depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore some of the common translations and …

primera translation in English | Spanish-English dictionary - Reverso primera translation in Spanish - English Reverso dictionary, see also 'causa primera, primera de cambio, departamento de primera, marinero de primera', examples, definition, conjugation

Primer, primero, primera. When to use it? : r/learnspanish - Reddit 23 Dec 2023 · The word is primero (masculine), primera (feminine). If it modifies a singular masculine noun and is placed before it (as usual), it becomes primer; otherwise it follows the …

What does primera mean in Spanish? - WordHippo Need to translate "primera" from Spanish? Here are 2 possible meanings.

Meaning of "primera" in the Spanish dictionary - educalingo Meaning of primera in the Spanish dictionary with examples of use. Synonyms for primera and translation of primera to 25 languages.

primera - Translation into English - examples Spanish - Reverso … Translations in context of "primera" in Spanish-English from Reverso Context: por primera vez, de primera calidad, de primera clase, primera planta, primera vez

PRIMERA - Translation in English - bab.la Translation for 'primera' in the free Spanish-English dictionary and many other English translations.

Primera Spanish To English 27 Oct 2022 · “Primera” is a Spanish word that translates to “first” in English. It is derived from the adjective “primer,” which signifies the initial or earliest position in a sequence or ranking. …

Primero | Spanish to English Translation - SpanishDictionary.com "Primero" becomes "primer" before masculine singular nouns. An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog). Los países se enumeran en la primera fila de la tabla.The …

Primera Phrases | How to use Primera in Spanish See common phrases containing Primera in Spanish.

Primero, Segundo, Tercero… – Spanish Ordinal Numbers - Hola … Ordinal numbers (primero, segundo, tercero …) are equivalent to the English “first, second, third…”. They express order within a sequence. By the end of this lesson, you have the …

What Does Primera Mean In Spanish

Unpacking the Meaning of "Primera" in Spanish: More Than Just "First"

Primera as an Ordinal Number: Indicating Position

Primera as an Adjective: Describing a Quality or Characteristic

Primera as a Noun: Representing a Specific Entity

Idiomatic Expressions with "Primera"

Conclusion

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