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"Primero" is an adjective which is often translated as "first", and "antes de" is a preposition which is often translated as "before". Learn more about the difference between "primero" and "antes de" below.
primero(
pree
-
meh
-
roh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. first
Los países se enumeran en la primera fila de la tabla.The countries are listed in the first row of the table.
a. first
El partido se canceló tras el primer tiempo.The match was canceled after the first half.
a. main
Nuestro primer objetivo es reducir gastos.Our main objective is to reduce expenses.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. first
Primero oí la explosión y luego vi el fuego.First I heard the explosion and then I saw the fire.
a. rather
Primero me muero antes de montar esa montaña rusa.I'd rather die than go on that roller coaster.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. the best
Era el primero en matemáticas en séptimo grado.I was the best in mathematics in seventh grade.
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antes de(
ahn
-
tehs
 
deh
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. before
Perdón, señor. Estaba antes de usted en la fila.Excuse me, sir. I was before you in the line.
a. before
Tienes que sacar el permiso de aprendizaje antes de poder conducir.You need to get a learner's permit before being able to drive.
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