Learn Spanish (Spain): Primero, te explico las reglas. - First, I explain the rules to you.

Primero, te explico las reglas.

First, I explain the rules to you.

Breakdown of Primero, te explico las reglas.

to you / yourself (reflexive) / you (direct object)

the rule (regulation, grammar)

Questions & Answers about Primero, te explico las reglas.

Why do we use primero here instead of primer?

When "first" is used as an adverb to sequence events (like "First, I do this, then that"), it is always primero. You only drop the "o" to make it primer when it's an adjective directly describing a masculine singular noun, like in el primer día (the first day).

Do I always need a comma after sequencing words like primero?

Yes, it is a very good habit! When you start a sentence with a temporal connector like primero, después, or al final, you generally put a comma right after it to separate it from the main action you are about to describe.

The English translation feels a bit like "First, I'll explain...". Why is explico in the present tense?

In Spanish, it is very common to use the present tense for actions you are going to do right now or in the immediate future. Saying te explico feels natural, immediate, and friendly, serving the same purpose as "I'll explain to you" or "let me explain to you" in English.

Why does te come before the verb instead of at the end?

te means "to you" and is an indirect object pronoun. As a refresher: in Spanish, these pronouns must go immediately before a conjugated verb like explico. You would only attach it to the end if the verb was in its dictionary form (like explicarte), an affirmative command, or an -ing form.