What does prima in Italian mean?

What is the meaning of the word prima in Italian? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use prima in Italian.

The word prima in Italian means before, sooner, earlier, first of all, before, before, first gear, opening night, premiere, first class, before, first, first, first, first, first, number one, first, first, early, earliest, first, next, first, number one, top, minute, first course, minute, best, first, at first sight, at first sight, at first glance, at first sight, on first impression, friends again, love at first sight, even before, commodity, goods of first necessity, Good first take!, from the very beginning, immediately, direct, direct, first-hand, make the first move, to get upset before there is reason to, the day before, the previous day, as soon as possible, as a first step, in the first place, as a start, on the front line, personally, first screening, new release, next time, you will think twice before, the first time, never seen before, raw material, put on the first thing you find, not before, debut novel, debut film, for the first time, firstly, just before, initial reception, first reception, emergency aid, first home, first house, primary residence, before, breakfast, first communion, before now, beforehand, before due, too early, first of all, most of all, primarily, first division, leading lady, first year of primary school, first row, front row, front line, First World War, WWI, early childhood, front line, first line, at the head, starting line, dawn, daybreak, first light of day, early, early in the morning, 6th grade, journal entry, sooner or later, front page, first person, first episode, First Republic, first choice, first public performance of a play or other production, first night, first team, first time, prima donna, prima donna, as soon as possible, selling the bear's skin before killing the bear. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word prima

before

avverbio (in precedenza, in passato)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Questa storia è già stata affrontata prima.
This issue was already addressed earlier.

sooner, earlier

avverbio (più rapidamente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Ti conviene finire prima o verrai sgridato di nuovo.
You should finish faster, or you'll get told off again.

first of all

avverbio (innanzitutto)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Prima lasciatemi spiegare come si sono svolti i fatti.
First of all, let me explain what happened.

before

preposizione o locuzione preposizionale (nel tempo) (time)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Arriverò prima di sera.
I'll be there before evening.

before

avverbio (in luogo che precede)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Passa prima per casa mia.
Pass by my place before.

first gear

sostantivo femminile (veicoli: prima marcia) (automotive)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
La prima si usa solo per far partire l'auto.
You only use the first gear to drive off.

opening night, premiere

sostantivo femminile (spettacoli: premiere) (theater)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Alla prima del teatro c'erano sempre molti vip.
There were always a lot of VIPs at the theatre's opening nights.

first class

sostantivo femminile (familiare (treni, aerei: prima classe)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Vorrei potermi permettere un biglietto aereo di prima!
I'd like to be able to afford a first class plane ticket!

before

preposizione o locuzione preposizionale (nello spazio)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Prima di me c'era lui a guardare direttamente in faccia il cantante.
He looked the singer in the eyes right before me.

first

aggettivo (1° di serie o elenco)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Il primo pensiero è sempre dedicato a te.
You're always my first thought.

first

aggettivo (competizione: posizionato 1°)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Il primo classificato ha vinto un premio di mille Euro in denaro.
The first one won a cash prize of a thousand euros.

first

avverbio (competizione: al 1° posto)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Marco è arrivato primo alla maratona annuale della sua città.
Marco came first in his town's annual marathon.

first

avverbio (come prima cosa)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Primo, non hai fatto i compiti; secondo, la tua camera è in disordine.
Firstly, you haven't done your homework; secondly, your room is in a mess.

first, number one

(1° di serie o elenco)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
I primi di ogni gruppo sono invitati a presentarsi alla commissione d'esame.
The first ones in each group are invited to present themselves to the examining board.

first

sostantivo maschile (informale (1° giorno del mese)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
La domestica viene ogni primo del mese.
The maid comes every first day of the month.

first

sostantivo maschile (successione dinastica)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il principe primogenito è il primo nell'ordine di successione dinastica.
The firstborn prince ranks first in the dynasty's order of succession.

early, earliest, first

aggettivo (iniziale, d'avvio)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
In un primo momento non credevo che ce l'avremmo fatta.
At first I didn't think that we'd manage.

next

aggettivo (prossimo)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Prendo il primo treno e cerco di arrivare il prima possibile.
I'll catch the next train and try to get there as soon as possible.

first, number one, top

aggettivo (valore: massimo)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
È frutta di prima qualità.
It's top quality fruit.

minute

sostantivo maschile (tempo: minuto)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il corridore ha fatto segnare un incredibile tempo di nove primi e cinquantacinque secondi.
The sprinter finished in an incredible nine minutes and fifty-five seconds.

first course

sostantivo maschile (cucina: prima portata)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Per stare leggeri abbiamo saltato il primo e abbiamo preso una bistecca con un'insalata.
We wanted to have a light meal so we skipped the first course and had a steak with salad.

minute

sostantivo maschile (misura di angoli)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ci troviamo a 8 gradi e 33 primi di longitudine ovest.
We are at 8 degrees and 33 minutes west.

best, first

(persona: il migliore)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Lucia è stata la prima della classe per tutto il periodo delle superiori.
Lucia was the best in the class throughout high school.

at first sight

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

at first sight

locuzione aggettivale (innamoramento: istantaneo)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

at first glance

locuzione aggettivale (analisi, opinione: istantanea)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at first sight, on first impression

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

friends again

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Se non ti va di aiutarmi, non c'è problema: amici come prima.

love at first sight

even before

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Sapeva tutto ancora prima che iniziassi a parlare.

commodity

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

goods of first necessity

sostantivo plurale maschile (generi alimentari, abbigliamento)

Good first take!

(film industry)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

from the very beginning, immediately

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

direct

locuzione aggettivale (sport, calcio (tiro diretto nella porta avversaria)

direct

locuzione avverbiale (sport, calcio (direttamente nella porta avversaria)

first-hand

make the first move

to get upset before there is reason to

the day before, the previous day

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
L'avevo vista in salute il giorno prima; com'è possibile che sia stata ricoverata oggi?

as soon as possible

locuzione avverbiale (al più presto)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

as a first step

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in the first place, as a start

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
In prima istanza hanno rifiutato la mia richiesta di arresti domiciliari.
In the first instance they refused my request for house arrest.

on the front line

personally

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Non parlare in prima persona delle cose che non ti riguardano.
Don't speak personally about things that do not concern you.

first screening, new release

locuzione aggettivale (spettacolo, film)

next time, you will think twice before

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

the first time

never seen before

raw material

sostantivo femminile (materiale iniziale)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

put on the first thing you find

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

not before

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

debut novel, debut film

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Questo brano è la sua opera prima.

for the first time

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Per la prima volta ho visto Valentina vestita in modo elegante.
I saw Valentina wearing smart clothes for the first time.

firstly

locuzione avverbiale (inizialmente)

just before

initial reception, first reception

emergency aid

sostantivo femminile (prime cure)

first home, first house, primary residence

(property)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le tasse sulla prima casa sono una vergogna nazionale.

before

preposizione o locuzione preposizionale (nel tempo)

breakfast

sostantivo femminile (pasto)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

first communion

(religion)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Era così emozionata all'idea di ricevere la prima comunione che quasi svenì.
She was so excited about receiving her first communion that she almost fainted.

before now, beforehand

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

before due, too early

locuzione avverbiale (prematuramente, troppo presto)

first of all, most of all, primarily

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Prima di tutto vengono i miei figli e mia moglie.
First of all come my wife and children.

first division

sostantivo femminile (desueto (sport: campionato) (sport leagues)

leading lady

(opera)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

first year of primary school

sostantivo femminile (primo anno della scuola primaria)

first row, front row

sostantivo femminile (teatro, cinema, ecc. (ai primi posti)

Per questo spettacolo sono rimasti solo due posti in prima fila.
For this show there are only two tickets left in the front row.

front line

sostantivo femminile (maggiormente esposto, in prima linea)

La nostra associazione è in prima fila nella lotta contro le discriminazioni razziali.
Our association is in the front line in fighting racial discrimination.

First World War, WWI

early childhood

front line, first line

sostantivo femminile (militare (linea del fuoco nemico)

at the head

sostantivo femminile (figurato (davanti a tutti gli altri) (figurative)

starting line

sostantivo femminile (automobilismo: linea di partenza)

dawn, daybreak, first light of day

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

early

(art, in reference to an artist and style)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
It's an early Picasso.

early in the morning

(time)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Odio dovermi svegliare di prima mattina.

6th grade

sostantivo femminile (classe scolastica)

journal entry

sostantivo femminile (documento: registro contabile) (accounting)

sooner or later

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Prima o poi riuscirò a farti confessare cosa è successo ieri notte con Vivience.
Sooner or later I'll make you tell me what happened last night with Vivience.

front page

(di giornale) (newspaper)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

first person

(grammar)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ho deciso di scrivere il mio libro in prima persona.
I have decided to write the book using the first person.

first episode

(television)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

First Republic

first choice

first public performance of a play or other production, first night

(theatre)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
I programmi in prima serata sono tutti adatti ai bambini.

first team

(sport)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

first time

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
La prima volta non si scorda mai, dicono.
They say you never forget your first time.

prima donna

sostantivo femminile (di spettacolo teatrale, ecc.)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

prima donna

sostantivo femminile (figurato (donna esibizionista)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

as soon as possible

locuzione avverbiale (al più presto)

selling the bear's skin before killing the bear

(idiom)

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Italian (italiano) is a Romance language and is spoken by about 70 million people, most of whom live in Italy. Italian uses the Latin alphabet. The letters J, K, W, X and Y do not exist in the standard Italian alphabet, but they still appear in loanwords from Italian. Italian is the second most widely spoken in the European Union with 67 million speakers (15% of the EU population) and it is spoken as a second language by 13.4 million EU citizens (3%). Italian is the principal working language of the Holy See, serving as the lingua franca in the Roman Catholic hierarchy. An important event that helped to the spread of Italian was Napoleon's conquest and occupation of Italy in the early 19th century. This conquest spurred the unification of Italy several decades later and pushed the language of the Italian language. Italian became a language used not only among secretaries, aristocrats and the Italian courts, but also by the bourgeoisie.