FastItalian LearningSign in
B1🎨 Art & Culture

Italian word

prima

first; before; the opening night of an opera or show

Looks like

prime

most important; a prime number; prime time

⚠️ The trap

'Prima' in the theatrical/operatic context means the opening night — English has borrowed this exact usage. But 'prima' as adjective/adverb means 'first' or 'before' in Italian, not 'prime' in the English sense.

To say "most important; a prime number; prime time" in Italian:

prima (correct for first/opening night)

"prima" in English means:

first; before; the opening night of an opera or show

Example

"Eravamo presenti alla prima della Traviata alla Scala."

"We were present at the opening night of La Traviata at La Scala."

Test your Italian level

Find your level and start the right lessons for you.

Take the test →