Najpierw

Najpierw is a Polish adverb meaning “first” or “at first,” used to indicate the order of actions, events, or steps. It functions to set a sequence in speech, writing, instructions, and narratives, signaling that something occurs before what follows.

Etymology and relation to other terms: Najpierw is formed with the superlative prefix naj- attached to an older root meaning first, and it is closely related to the word pierw/ pierwszy, both conveying the notion of priority. It is commonly contrasted with potem, which means “then” or “afterwards,” to describe subsequent steps in a sequence.

Usage: Najpierw typically appears at the beginning of a clause to prescribe or describe an order: “Najpierw zrób to, a potem idź.” It can also introduce a sequence in explanations or arguments: “Najpierw musimy zebrać dane, najpierw przeczytać raport.” The phrase is versatile across formal and informal styles and is frequently used in instructions, recipes, manuals, and storytelling. It can be paired with potem to form a clear, two-step structure: “Najpierw ..., potem ...”

Nuance: The word emphasizes priority and dependency, implying that the second action depends on or should follow the first. While largely neutral, in certain contexts it can carry a prescriptive tone, directing the listener’s or reader’s attention to the correct order of operations.

See also: Potem; kolejność; sequencing phrases in Polish.