In 15 Seconds
- Used to mark the very first occurrence of any event.
- Always uses the feminine 'primeira' because 'vez' is a feminine noun.
- Commonly used with 'pela' to mean 'for the first time'.
Meaning
This phrase describes the very first occurrence of an event or experience. It is used exactly like 'first time' in English to mark milestones or new experiences.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a traditional restaurant
É a minha primeira vez comendo feijoada.
It is my first time eating feijoada.
Meeting a new colleague
Esta é a primeira vez que venho ao escritório.
This is the first time I've come to the office.
Texting a friend about a movie
Vi esse filme pela primeira vez ontem!
I saw this movie for the first time yesterday!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, people often use 'primeira vez' to express excitement about local culture, like trying a new fruit or visiting a new beach. In Portugal, the phrase is used more formally in business or historical contexts, though still common in daily life. In Angola, the phrase is used similarly to Brazil, often in the context of community events or travel between provinces. In Mozambique, it is used to mark significant life events, often with a sense of pride or accomplishment.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'vez' is feminine. This is the most common mistake learners make.
Don't use 'um'
Never say 'um vez'. It is always 'uma vez' because 'vez' is feminine.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to mark the very first occurrence of any event.
- Always uses the feminine 'primeira' because 'vez' is a feminine noun.
- Commonly used with 'pela' to mean 'for the first time'.
What It Means
Primeira vez is your go-to phrase for new beginnings. It literally translates to 'first time'. In Portuguese, vez is a feminine noun. This is why we use the feminine form primeira. It marks the starting point of any journey. Whether it is a trip or a taste, use this.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone noun phrase. Often, you will pair it with the preposition pela. Saying pela primeira vez means 'for the first time'. You can also use it with é a minha. For example, é a minha primeira vez aqui. This means 'it is my first time here'. It works perfectly with verbs like ver, ir, or fazer.
When To Use It
Use it when you are exploring a new city. Use it when trying a weird tropical fruit. It is perfect for job interviews to show growth. It works well when meeting someone's parents. You can use it in romantic settings too. 'I love you' is better when it is the primeira vez. It adds a layer of importance to the moment.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for repetitive daily habits. If you do it every day, it is not the primeira vez. Avoid using it if you are trying to sound like an expert. It signals that you are a beginner or a 'newbie'. Don't use primeiro tempo instead. That refers to 'first half' in a soccer match. Stick to vez for occurrences.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people love celebrating 'firsts'. There is a certain pride in being a 'calouro' or beginner. In Brazil, the primeira vez is often associated with big life milestones. This includes the first time seeing the ocean or a carnival. It carries a sense of wonder and openness. People will usually be more patient if you say this phrase.
Common Variations
You might hear pela primeiríssima vez. This adds extra emphasis, meaning 'for the very first time'. Another variation is de primeira. This usually means doing something right on the first attempt. If you want to say 'first of all', use em primeiro lugar. But for the experience itself, primeira vez is king.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very stable across all Portuguese dialects. Just ensure the gender agreement with 'primeira' is maintained to avoid sounding like a beginner.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'vez' is feminine. This is the most common mistake learners make.
Don't use 'um'
Never say 'um vez'. It is always 'uma vez' because 'vez' is feminine.
Use 'que'
When following with a verb, always use 'que' to connect the phrase to the clause.
Examples
6É a minha primeira vez comendo feijoada.
It is my first time eating feijoada.
Shows you are trying a local specialty for the first time.
Esta é a primeira vez que venho ao escritório.
This is the first time I've come to the office.
A neutral way to explain you are new to the space.
Vi esse filme pela primeira vez ontem!
I saw this movie for the first time yesterday!
Uses 'pela' to indicate the timing of the experience.
Calma, é a primeira vez que uso um iPhone!
Relax, it's the first time I'm using an iPhone!
Used as a lighthearted excuse for a mistake.
Eu lembro da primeira vez que te vi.
I remember the first time I saw you.
Highly emotional and nostalgic use.
Pela primeira vez na história, estamos reunidos aqui.
For the first time in history, we are gathered here.
Used to emphasize the gravity of an event.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
É a ______ vez que venho aqui.
Vez is feminine, so we use the feminine adjective 'primeira'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The first option uses correct gender agreement and the correct conjunction 'que'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Já visitou o Rio? B: Não, é a ______ vez!
We need the ordinal 'primeira' to indicate the first time.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You are at a restaurant and it's your first time trying a dish.
Provar is the most natural verb for trying food.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesÉ a ______ vez que venho aqui.
Vez is feminine, so we use the feminine adjective 'primeira'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The first option uses correct gender agreement and the correct conjunction 'que'.
A: Já visitou o Rio? B: Não, é a ______ vez!
We need the ordinal 'primeira' to indicate the first time.
You are at a restaurant and it's your first time trying a dish.
Provar is the most natural verb for trying food.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very versatile and works for any new experience.
It is neutral and can be used in any setting.
Because 'vez' is a feminine noun.
'Pela primeira vez' adds emphasis, like 'for the first time'.
Yes, if you are not following it with a verb clause.
Yes, it is standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
You say 'segunda vez'.
Then you should use 'outra vez' or 'novamente'.
You can say 'primeiras vezes', but it is less common.
Yes, it is very common in dating contexts.
Related Phrases
Pela primeira vez
specialized formFor the first time
Outra vez
contrastAnother time / Again
A primeira de muitas
builds onThe first of many
De vez em quando
similarFrom time to time
