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"Primero" is an adjective which is often translated as "first", and "después" is an adverb which is often translated as "after". Learn more about the difference between "primero" and "después" below.
primero(
pree
-
meh
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (position)
a. first
Los países se enumeran en la primera fila de la tabla.The countries are listed in the first row of the table.
2. (in time)
3. (principal)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
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).
a. the best
Era el primero en matemáticas en séptimo grado.I was the best in mathematics in seventh grade.
después(
dehs
-
pwehs
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. after
Llamé a mis papás justo después de comprometerme.I called my parents just after getting engaged.
b. later
Iré de compras después pero ahora tengo que estudiar.I'll go shopping later but now I have to study.
c. afterwards
¿Podemos ir al parque después? Ahora quiero descansar.Can we go to the park afterwards? I want to rest now.
d. afterward (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Paco comenzó a tener diferencias de opinión con los otros socios, y poco después abandonó la firma.Paco started having disagreements with the other partners, and he left the firm not long afterward.
