principio

principle

noun preen-SEE-pyoh Common

Also means

beginning

Usage Note

Principio has two distinct uses: an abstract rule or moral (los principios éticos) and a starting point in time or space (al principio, at the beginning). Do not confuse with el príncipe (prince). The plural principios often refers to one's values or ethics in context.

Examples

"Al principio no entendía nada."

Natural Translation

At the beginning I understood nothing.

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