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"Primera" is a form of "primera", a noun which is often translated as "first". "Tercera" is a form of "tercera", an adjective which is often translated as "third". Learn more about the difference between "primera" and "tercera" below.
la primera(
pree
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meh
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rah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. first
Para empezar a avanzar, hay que poner el pie en el embrague y meter la primera.To start moving forward, you have to put your foot on the clutch and put it in first.
b. first gear
El tráfico es tan denso que no salí de primera por más de un kilómetro.The traffic is so heavy that I didn't get out of first gear for more than a kilometer.
a. first class
Viajar en primera en el autobús solo cuesta un poco más, pero es mucho más cómodo.Traveling in first class on the bus only costs a little bit more, but it's much more comfortable.
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tercera(
tehr
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seh
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rah
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. third
La cena es la tercera comida del día.Dinner is the third meal of the day.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. third
Giró por la esquina y cambió a tercera.She turned the the corner, and shifted into third.
b. third gear
El coche empieza a golpetear con la tercera.The car starts to rattle in third gear.
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