Learning language
Translation language
numeral · A1 · very often · UK/US

первый

first

Meaning of первый

before all others

Learn первый with free cards in 30 seconds.

Check vocabulary level

10 minutes a day can add up to 3,000 words a year. Spaced flashcards bring each word back when it is time to remember it.

Free flashcards·10,000+ words in the database·scheduled reviews
How important is this word
A1very often

первый fits your vocabulary level. Check your level if you are not sure.

Pronunciation
Russian[ˈpʲervɨj]
first
первый - first
free flashcards
Learn for freeLearn 7 words from "Numbers"
Active review

How many words can you learn in a year?

If you learn 8-10 new words a day and review them regularly with flashcards, you can cover about 3,000 words in a year.

ZapomniEnglish brings words back at the right time: difficult words appear more often, familiar words less often.

Not sure what pace to start with? Check your vocabulary level and we will suggest words for your level.

We count words you add to learning and review regularly. Active use grows gradually and depends on practice.

How many words you can add to active review
PacePer dayPer yearBest for
Easy3 words≈ 1,100 wordsstarting without pressure
Balanced5 words≈ 1,800 wordssteady growth
Recommended8 words≈ 2,900 wordsaround 3,000 words a year
Fast10 words≈ 3,650 wordsvisible vocabulary growth
Intensive15 words≈ 5,500 wordsstrong motivation

первый with English translation

первый usage examples

🇬🇧English🇷🇺Russian

She was the first to arrive at the party.

Она пришла первой на вечеринку.

🇬🇧English🇷🇺Russian

Read the first chapter before class.

Прочитай первую главу до занятия.

Learn by topic

первый belongs to the topic "Numbers". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

первыйfirst
нольzero
одинone
дваtwo
триthree
четыреfour
пятьfive

первый synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between первый / впервые / сначала / во-первых / первоначально / начальный

🇷🇺Russian
первый

the main word for the meaning "before all others"; indicates number 1 or something that comes before others

A1Very Often

He came first.

Он пришёл первым.

В
🇷🇺Russian
впервые

means "for the first time"; refers to the first occurrence, not to order

A1Often

I am seeing this place for the first time.

Я впервые вижу это место.

С
🇷🇺Russian
сначала

means "at the beginning, first"; shows sequence of actions, not a number

A1Very Often

Read the text first, then answer the questions.

Сначала прочитай текст, потом отвечай на вопросы.

В
🇷🇺Russian
во-первых

used to introduce points or arguments: "firstly"

A1Often

Firstly, it is expensive. Secondly, it is inconvenient.

Во-первых, это дорого. Во-вторых, это неудобно.

П
🇷🇺Russian
первоначально

means "originally, at the very beginning"; often refers to the first state or plan

A1Rarely

Originally, the project was quite different.

Первоначально проект был совсем другим.

🇷🇺Russian

describes something that is at the beginning or belongs to the start of something

A1Often

This is the initial stage of the work.

Это начальный этап работы.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for первый

How to pronounce первый and what this word means

первый translation: first. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce первый

[ˈpʲervɨj]

первый translation

first

первый examples

She was the first to arrive at the party.

первый transcription

[ˈpʲervɨj]

How this dictionary entry is reviewed

ZapomniEnglish prepares dictionary data automatically, then the editorial workflow checks high-frequency words, top lists, and pages that already receive search impressions first.

Translation and meaningPronunciation and transcriptionExamples, synonyms, and topics

Questions about this word

первый meaning: what does it mean?

стоящий или идущий раньше всех остальных

первый pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

первый is pronounced as [ˈpʲervɨj]. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

первый definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

She was the first to arrive at the party. Translation: Она пришла первой на вечеринку.

Is первый part of Numbers vocabulary?

Yes, первый (first) can be learned in the Numbers topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is первый part of Mathematics vocabulary?

Yes, первый (first) can be learned in the Mathematics topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Audio practiceExamplesSmart repeats

Learn первый in your vocabulary

Add this word to practice, repeat it with audio, examples and your own word lists.