prvo

Prvo is a neuter singular ordinal adjective meaning “first” in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. It agrees with neuter nouns; masculine and feminine equivalents are prvi and prva, respectively. The word often occurs in ordinary ordering and in fixed phrases.

In usage, prvo marks the initial item in an ordered sequence, such as prvo mjesto (first place) and prvo poglavlje (first chapter). It can also serve as a discourse marker to introduce a list or explanation, roughly equivalent to “first of all” or “firstly.” The neuter form is used when describing neuter nouns or phrases, while other gendered forms align with the noun’s gender.

Etymology: Prvo derives from the Proto-Slavic root associated with the concept of “first.” It has cognates across Slavic languages, for example prvi in masculine form and prva in feminine form. Other branches show different roots for their equivalents (e.g., Russian pervyy).

Grammar notes: In these languages, adjective agreement governs its form: prvo for neuter nouns, prvi for masculine nouns, and prva for feminine nouns. When used as part of a larger ordinal numeral system, prvo functions as the neuter base form.

See also: prvi, prva, ordinal numerals in South Slavic languages.