il primo
first · first course
Che viene prima di tutti gli altri in ordine, tempo o importanza.
The Italian word "primo" has several meanings and uses, depending on the context.
Meaning and Explanation:
-
As an adjective (meaning "first"):
- "Primo" means "first" in the sense of order or sequence.
- Example: Il primo giorno means the first day.
- It can refer to the first item, person, or event in a series.
-
As a noun in culinary context:
- In Italian meals, "il primo" refers to the first course, typically a dish like pasta, rice, or soup that comes after the appetizer (antipasto).
- Example: Per il primo ho mangiato la lasagna (For the first course, I ate lasagna).
-
As a noun referring to a relative:
- "Il primo" or "la prima" can also refer to a cousin in familiar contexts.
Parts:
- It is an adjective or noun in the singular masculine form.
- Feminine form is "prima".
- Plural masculine is "primi".
- Plural feminine is "prime".
Italian Synonyms:
-
For "first" (as ordinal adjective):
- innanzitutto (primarily, above all)
- iniziale (initial)
- primalo (obsolete or literary for first)
-
For the culinary term "first course":
- primo piatto (first dish)
- No real synonyms, but related terms are antipasto (appetizer), secondo (second course)
-
For cousin:
- cugino (male cousin)
- cugina (female cousin)
Italian Antonyms:
- For "first" (first in order), antonym can be:
- ultimo (last)
- secondo (second, next after first)
Summary:
| Meaning | Explanation | Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. First (ordinal) | The first in a sequence or order | iniziale, primo | ultimo, secondo |
| 2. First course | The first main course in a meal | primo piatto | secondo (second course) |
| 3. Cousin | Informally used for a cousin | cugino/cugina | - |
"Primo" is a versatile word essential in everyday Italian for counting, describing order, meals, and family relations.
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Examples
Oggi è il mio primo giorno di scuola.adjective
Today is my first day of school.
Lui è arrivato primo alla gara.adverb
He came first in the race.
Prima finiamo il lavoro, poi andiamo al cinema.adverb
First we finish the work, then we go to the cinema.
Ho comprato la mia prima macchina ieri.adjective
I bought my first car yesterday.
La prima pizza è molto buona.adjective
The first pizza is very good.
Il primo libro è sul tavolo.adjective
The first book is on the table.
La prima arriva alle otto.noun
The first arrives at eight o'clock.
Il primo corre veloce.noun
The first one runs fast.
Il primo è una zuppa di verdure.noun
The first course is a vegetable soup.
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