Em primeiro lugar
In the first place
حرفيًا: In first place
Use it to sound organized and authoritative when starting a list of points or reasons.
في 15 ثانية
- The standard way to say 'first of all' in Portuguese.
- Used to organize arguments or list reasons logically.
- Works perfectly in both professional meetings and casual explanations.
المعنى
This phrase is the ultimate way to kick off an argument or a list of points. It's like saying 'first of all' or 'firstly' when you want to sound organized and convincing.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6In a business meeting
Em primeiro lugar, vamos analisar os resultados do trimestre.
In the first place, let's analyze the quarterly results.
Explaining a delay to a friend
Em primeiro lugar, desculpa o atraso; o trânsito estava horrível.
First of all, sorry I'm late; the traffic was horrible.
A humorous argument about pizza toppings
Em primeiro lugar, abacaxi nem deveria ser uma opção!
In the first place, pineapple shouldn't even be an option!
خلفية ثقافية
This expression is deeply rooted in the Latin tradition of rhetoric and structured debate. In Lusophone cultures, using logical connectors like this is a sign of 'boa educação' (good upbringing) and intellectual clarity. While common in all Portuguese-speaking countries, it is particularly beloved in formal Brazilian speeches and Portuguese academic circles.
The 'Second Place' Rule
If you use `em primeiro lugar`, your listener subconsciously waits for `em segundo lugar`. Even if you don't say it, having a second point ready makes you look much sharper.
Don't confuse with rankings
If you win a gold medal, you are `o primeiro colocado`. Saying you are `em primeiro lugar` in a race sounds like you are about to give a lecture rather than celebrate.
في 15 ثانية
- The standard way to say 'first of all' in Portuguese.
- Used to organize arguments or list reasons logically.
- Works perfectly in both professional meetings and casual explanations.
What It Means
Em primeiro lugar is your go-to structural anchor. It tells your listener that you have a series of thoughts. You aren't just rambling; you have a plan. It functions exactly like 'first of all' in English. It sets a logical tone for whatever follows.
How To Use It
Place it right at the start of your sentence. Always follow it with a comma. It sounds best when you actually have a 'second place' coming up. You can use it to justify a decision. You can use it to win a friendly debate. It makes your Portuguese sound sophisticated and orderly.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting to outline a strategy. Use it when explaining to your partner why you forgot the milk. It works great in academic writing or formal emails. Even in a heated text argument, it adds a layer of 'cool-headed' authority. It’s perfect for when you need to sound like the adult in the room.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for physical rankings or races. If you won a marathon, say fiquei em primeiro. Using em primeiro lugar there sounds like you're starting a speech. Also, avoid it if you only have one single point to make. It creates an expectation for a sequence. If you don't follow up with a second point, it feels unfinished.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value 'bem-falado' (well-spoken) communication. Structuring your thoughts shows respect for the listener's time. In Brazil and Portugal, being articulate is a sign of education. This phrase is a staple of 'juridiquês' (legal jargon). However, it has successfully migrated into everyday polite conversation. It’s the mark of someone who thinks before they speak.
Common Variations
You might hear primeiramente for a more formal, slightly old-school vibe. There is also antes de mais nada, which is more emphatic. If you want to be super casual, you might just say pra começar. But em primeiro lugar remains the gold standard for versatility. It’s the 'little black dress' of Portuguese connectors.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for business, academics, and casual arguments, but remember to follow it with a comma.
The 'Second Place' Rule
If you use `em primeiro lugar`, your listener subconsciously waits for `em segundo lugar`. Even if you don't say it, having a second point ready makes you look much sharper.
Don't confuse with rankings
If you win a gold medal, you are `o primeiro colocado`. Saying you are `em primeiro lugar` in a race sounds like you are about to give a lecture rather than celebrate.
The 'Primeiramente' Controversy
In Brazil, starting a speech with `Primeiramente` became a political meme a few years ago. `Em primeiro lugar` is the safer, more neutral alternative if you want to avoid unintentional political vibes.
أمثلة
6Em primeiro lugar, vamos analisar os resultados do trimestre.
In the first place, let's analyze the quarterly results.
Sets a professional tone for a presentation.
Em primeiro lugar, desculpa o atraso; o trânsito estava horrível.
First of all, sorry I'm late; the traffic was horrible.
Softens the excuse by being direct and organized.
Em primeiro lugar, abacaxi nem deveria ser uma opção!
In the first place, pineapple shouldn't even be an option!
Uses formal structure for a silly topic to add comedic weight.
Em primeiro lugar, eu nem te perguntei nada.
First of all, I didn't even ask you anything.
Adds a sharp, assertive edge to a text message.
Em primeiro lugar, quero agradecer a todos pelo apoio.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for the support.
Commonly used in speeches to prioritize gratitude.
Em primeiro lugar, eu escolhi este carro pela segurança.
In the first place, I chose this car for its safety.
Justifies a decision with a primary reason.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best phrase to start a list of reasons why you love Lisbon.
___, o clima é maravilhoso e as pessoas são muito simpáticas.
You are starting a list of reasons, so 'Em primeiro lugar' (first of all) is the logical choice.
Complete the sentence to sound professional in a job interview.
___, gostaria de dizer que admiro muito esta empresa.
In a formal context like an interview, 'Em primeiro lugar' provides the necessary professional structure.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum of 'First of All'
Used with friends or family.
Pra começar...
The sweet spot for almost any situation.
Em primeiro lugar...
Used in speeches or legal documents.
Primeiramente...
Where to use 'Em primeiro lugar'
Work Presentation
Structuring your points.
Friendly Debate
Winning an argument.
Formal Speech
Thanking an audience.
Writing an Essay
Organizing paragraphs.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot at all! It can be used sarcastically or to show you are being serious about a point. For example: Em primeiro lugar, você nem me ligou!.
No, for 'at first' or 'initially', use a princípio or no início. Em primeiro lugar is specifically for ordering points in a sequence.
Primeiramente is a single word and feels a bit more formal or stiff. Em primeiro lugar is more natural for spoken conversation.
Yes, always use a comma after Em primeiro lugar when it starts a sentence. It marks the pause in your speech.
Yes, it is perfectly standard and common in both countries with no difference in meaning.
The natural follow-up is em segundo lugar. You can keep going with em terceiro lugar, but usually, people stop counting after three.
It's better to use antes de mais nada if you only have one important thing to say. Em primeiro lugar implies a list is coming.
No, it almost always appears at the beginning of the clause it introduces.
Yes, it is a very common 'marcador discursivo' (discourse marker) used to organize arguments in essays.
You can say pra começar (to start with) or just primeiro (first).
عبارات ذات صلة
Antes de mais nada
Em segundo lugar
Para começar
Primeiramente
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