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👉 See also: Ensuite (then, after that) »
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.
The French Word of the Day is d’abord, an adverb meaning “first” and “at first.” This word comes in super handy when telling stories or describing events.
📘 D’abord meaning in French
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.)
🎧 D’abord pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of d’abord is /da.bɔʁ/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “da-bor.”
📝 D’abord usage examples
D’abord je prends un café, ensuite je pars.
First I have a coffee, then I leave.
See also: Prendre conjugation charts (with audio) »
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).
👉 See also: Ensuite — usage examples »
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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 »
D’abord — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does d’abord mean in French?
D’abord means “first,” “first of all,” or “to begin with.” Depending on context, it can also mean “at first.”
How do you use d’abord in a sentence?
You use d’abord to introduce the first step in a sequence or plan. For example: D’abord je prends un café, ensuite je pars (First I have a coffee, then I leave).
How do you pronounce d’abord?
D’abord is pronounced /da.bɔʁ/ in IPA, roughly “da-bor.”
