A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "First" in Italian
Learn to say 'first' in Italian with 'primo' for ordinal numbers, rankings, and beginnings.
primo
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Use 'primo' when talking about the first in line, the first place in a competition, or the first of something. For example, 'il primo giorno' (the first day) or 'il primo classificato' (the first-place finisher).
Alternatives
- innanzituttoUse this when 'first' means 'first of all' or 'to begin with' in a list of points.
- all'inizioThis is better when 'first' refers to the very beginning or start of something, like a story or an event.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't confuse with 'prima'
'Prima' is the feminine form of 'primo' and is used when referring to a feminine noun, like 'la prima volta' (the first time).
Pronounce the 'r' clearly
The Italian 'r' is rolled or tapped; don't skip it or pronounce it like an English 'w'.
A small cultural note
Italians often use ordinal numbers like 'primo' to emphasize sequence and importance, especially when discussing family history or traditions.
Frequently asked
How do I say 'first place' in Italian?
You would say 'il primo posto'. This is common in sports and competitions.
When do I use 'primo' vs 'prima'?
'Primo' is used before masculine nouns (e.g., 'il primo libro'), while 'prima' is used before feminine nouns (e.g., 'la prima casa').
What's the difference between 'primo' and 'innanzitutto'?
'Primo' is an ordinal number, while 'innanzitutto' means 'first of all' and is used to introduce the most important point in a discussion.
