first letters

[/fɜːrst ˈletərz/]
nounpl: first letters
primeiras letras
1. the initial letters of words, names, or sequences
The first letters of each word spell out the acronym.
As primeiras letras de cada palavra formam o acrônimo.
2. the opening correspondence or written communication from someone
His first letters from abroad expressed homesickness.
Suas primeiras cartas do exterior expressavam saudade.
3. elementary education or basic literacy instruction
Children learn their first letters in kindergarten.
As crianças aprendem as primeiras letras no jardim de infância.
In Brazil, 'primeiras letras' is a traditional educational phrase often used when referring to literacy education and children's early learning stages. It evokes a more classical or nostalgic approach to education.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
initialsopening lettersinitial charactersABC's
Antonyms / Antônimos
last lettersfinal letters

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
primeiras letras
standard term used in educational contexts
Rio de Janeiro
primeiras letras
common usage, especially in traditional schools
São Paulo
primeiras letras
used interchangeably with 'letras iniciais'
Portugal
primeiras letras
traditional term, less commonly used in modern Portuguese

Related Words

alphabetinitialsacronymlettersliteracycorrespondence

Related Idioms & Phrases

learning one's first letters
spell out the first letters
read one's first letters
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →