Translation guide
The English word 'prime' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: 'prime' as an adjective meaning 'main/most important', 'of the highest quality', 'ideal/suitable', and as a noun meaning 'the best period of life'. It also includes the mathematical sense of 'prime number' and the verb meaning 'to prepare/coat a surface'.
Describing something as the primary, chief, or most significant example of its kind.
A common prenominal adjective meaning 'main' or 'principal'. Used to describe the most important thing in a group.
主な理由は何ですか。
What is the prime reason?
Slightly more formal than 主な, meaning 'major' or 'chief'. Often used in written contexts.
これは主要な問題です。
This is a prime issue.
Literally 'number one', used to emphasize the top priority or foremost thing.
安全が第一の関心事です。
Safety is the prime concern.
Describing something as excellent, top-grade, or first-rate.
Means 'the best' or 'supreme'. Very common and versatile.
これは最高の肉です。
This is prime meat.
Means 'first-class' or 'superb'. Often used for food, drinks, or experiences.
極上のワインをいただきました。
I had a prime wine.
Means 'the finest' or 'optimal'. More formal and often used in technical or written contexts.
最良の結果を得る。
Get prime results.
Describing a perfect example or the best time/condition for something.
Means 'ideal' or 'perfect' (opportunity, condition). Commonly used in phrases like 'prime opportunity'.
絶好のチャンスだ。
It's a prime opportunity.
Means 'perfect (for the job)' or 'just right'. Often used for people or things that are ideally suited.
彼はその仕事にうってつけだ。
He is prime for the job.
Means 'optimal' or 'most suitable'. Slightly more formal, used in both casual and business settings.
この条件が最適です。
These conditions are prime.
Referring to the time when someone is at their peak in health, strength, or ability.
Means 'heyday' or 'golden age'. Used for a person's peak period or an organization's prime.
彼は今が全盛期だ。
He is in his prime now.
Means 'prime' or 'peak' of life, often implying youthful vigor. Can also mean 'in heat' for animals, so context matters.
Be careful: 盛り can also mean 'in heat' for animals. Use 全盛期 to avoid ambiguity.
Similar to 全盛期, but often used for the peak of a trend or phenomenon rather than a person.
A number divisible only by itself and 1.
To apply a first coat of paint, primer, or other substance to prepare a surface.
Means 'to undercoat' or 'to prime'. Used for painting walls, canvases, etc.
壁を下塗りする必要がある。
We need to prime the wall.
Uses the loanword 'primer'. Common in DIY contexts.
最初にプライマーを塗ってください。
Please prime the surface first.
彼女は人生の盛りを過ぎた。
She is past her prime.
その産業は最盛期を迎えた。
The industry reached its prime.