Spanish Phrase
Hoy es primero de mayo.
Meaning
This phrase is used to state the current date, specifically the first day of May. In Spanish, the first day of the month is uniquely expressed using the ordinal number 'primero' rather than the cardinal 'uno'. It is the standard way to announce the date or start a conversation about the day's events.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks for the date or when you are starting a journal entry or a meeting. It is also significant as May 1st is a major public holiday in most Spanish-speaking countries.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hoyesprimerodemayo
Hoy (Today)
An adverb used to refer to the present day, often placed at the beginning of sentences regarding time or dates.
Ser (es)
The verb 'ser' is used for dates and time. 'Es' is the third-person singular present form used with 'hoy'.
Primero vs Uno
Spanish uses ordinal numbers (primero) for the first day of the month, but cardinal numbers (dos, tres, etc.) for all other days.
🗨In Conversation
¿Sabes qué fecha es hoy?
Do you know what today's date is?
Hoy es primero de mayo.
Today is May first.
✕Common Mistakes
Hoy es uno de mayo.
While 'uno' is sometimes used in certain regions, 'primero' is the traditional and most common way to say the first of the month.
Hoy es el primero de mayo.
When stating the date directly after the verb 'ser', the definite article 'el' is typically omitted in this specific construction.
↔Alternatives
Estamos a primero de mayo.
It is the first of May (literally: We are at first of May).
Hoy cae primero de mayo.
Today falls on the first of May.
Cultural Tip
May 1st, or 'Día del Trabajo', is a national holiday in Spain and throughout Latin America. Expect banks, schools, and many businesses to be closed as people participate in marches or enjoy a day off with family.