Luego: then and later

The idea

Use primero for the first action and luego for the action that follows it.

Examples

• Primero preparo el café y luego desayuno.First I make coffee and then I have breakfast.
• Ahora estoy ocupado; hablamos luego.I am busy now; we will talk later.
• Ella compró el billete y luego llamó a su amiga.She bought the ticket and then called her friend.
• Terminamos la clase y luego fuimos al parque.We finished class and then went to the park.
• Guarda el recibo; quizá lo necesites luego.Keep the receipt; you might need it later.
• Lee las instrucciones y luego abre la caja.Read the instructions and then open the box.

Watch out

Luego indicates a later time; it does not by itself specify exactly when.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word for the next action: Primero preparo café y ___ desayuno. (luego / antes)

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   luego

   Luego places breakfast after preparing coffee.

2. Choose the word for a later conversation: Ahora estoy ocupado; hablamos ___. (luego / antes)

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   luego

   Luego refers to a conversation at a later time.

3. Choose the word for the action after reading: Lee las instrucciones y ___ abre la caja. (luego / primero)

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   luego

   Luego places opening the box after reading the instructions.

Use it today

Describe your breakfast routine and suggest talking later.