Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published January 27, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
📘 D’abord meaning
D’abord is a French adverb meaning “first,” “first of all,” or “to begin with.” It’s used to introduce the first step in a series of actions. Depending on context, d’abord can also mean “at first.” For example, “D’abord je vais prendre un café” (I’m going to have a coffee first). You’ll also see tout d’abord. For example, “Tout d’abord, il faut apprendre l’alphabet” (Firstly, you have to learn the alphabet.) 🔊 Jump to examples now
🎧 D’abord pronunciation
The pronunciation of d’abord is /da.bɔʁ/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “da-bor.”
📝 D’abord examples
D’abord je prends un café, ensuite je pars.
First I have a coffee, then I leave.
Lave-toi d’abord les mains, s’il te plaît.
Wash your hands first, please.
Il faut d’abord réserver les billets.
First, you have to book the tickets.
Tout d’abord, je voudrais vous remercier.
First of all, I would like to thank you.
When recounting stories and events, d’abord is often accompanied by ensuite (then, after that).
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- ensuite — then / after that
- puis — then
- après — after / afterward
- avant — before
- tout d’abord — first of all
- au début — at the beginning
- en premier — first / firstly
- pour commencer — to begin with
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Ensuite — then, after that »
👉 Puis — then, next, finally »
👉 Premièrement (firstly, first of all) »
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