A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "First" in Spanish
Learn 'primero' for 'first' in Spanish, essential for ordering, ranking, and timelines.
primero
pree-MEH-rohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use 'primero' when you're talking about the first item in a sequence, the first person to do something, or the first in a ranking. It's also used for the first day of a month.
Alternatives
- en primer lugarUse when introducing the first point in a list or argument.
- la primera vezUse specifically for 'the first time' something happens.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'primer'
'Primer' is used only before a masculine singular noun (e.g., 'el primer día'). 'Primero' is used on its own or before a feminine noun with 'la' (e.g., 'la primera').
Gender agreement
When 'primero' modifies a feminine noun, it changes to 'primera' (e.g., 'la primera casa').
A small cultural note
When referring to the first day of a month, you'll say 'primero de [month]' (e.g., 'primero de enero' for January 1st). This is a common pattern.
Frequently asked
how to say first place in spanish
You can say 'el primer lugar' for 'first place'. If you are the first place winner, you might say 'Soy el primero'.
spanish first day of the month
To say the first day of the month, use 'primero de' followed by the month's name. For example, 'primero de mayo' means May 1st.
primero vs primer spanish
'Primer' is the shortened form used directly before a masculine singular noun, like 'el primer coche' (the first car). 'Primero' is used when it stands alone or refers to something feminine after 'la'.
What are the different ways to say "first" in Spanish?
The most common ways to say "first" are 'primero' (masculine) and 'primera' (feminine). You can also use the ordinal number 'primer' before a masculine noun.
When to use primer or primero?
Use 'primer' before a masculine singular noun, like 'el primer día' (the first day). Use 'primero' when it stands alone or after a noun, like 'el primero' (the first one) or 'el día primero' (the first day).
How do you say 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th in Spanish?
The ordinal numbers are 'primero/a' (1st), 'segundo/a' (2nd), 'tercero/a' (3rd), 'cuarto/a' (4th), and 'quinto/a' (5th). Remember to match the gender and number with the noun.
How do you say "first place" in Spanish?
You can say "first place" as 'primer lugar' (masculine) or 'el primer puesto' (masculine). If referring to a female winner, you might say 'la primera posición'.
