Meaning
before
- earlier
- first
In a sentence
Faccio i compiti prima di cena.
I do my homework before dinner.
Hai già mangiato prima di uscire?
Did you already eat before going out?
Prima mangio, poi esco.
First I eat, then I go out.
Usage notes
- Use 'prima' for time, not location. 'Prima di casa' is wrong; say 'davanti a casa' for 'in front of the house'.
- 'Prima' + infinitive is common: 'Prima di mangiare' (Before eating). Don't use 'prima che' with infinitives; it needs subjunctive.
- In speech, 'prima' often contracts: 'Prima o poi' (sooner or later) is more natural than 'prima o dopo'.