What is the meaning of 'lo' in this sentence?
Richard Branson dice: “Los clientes no son lo primero, lo primero son los empleados. Si cuidas de tus empleados, ellos cuidarán de tus clientes”.

I see that in the dictionary there's a meaning that is basically "no translation, but it's used before adjectives marking abstract things." Is that how it's being used here? I understand the sentence, but want to make sure there's not a nuance I'm missing.

Question

What is the meaning of 'lo' in this sentence?
> Richard Branson dice: “Los clientes no son lo primero, lo primero son los empleados. Si cuidas de tus empleados, ellos cuidarán de tus clientes”.

I see that in the dictionary there's a meaning that is basically "no translation, but it's used before adjectives marking abstract things." Is that how it's being used here? I understand the sentence, but want to make sure there's not a nuance I'm missing.

Answer

Dear Richard,

Los clientes no son "lo" primero ---> Customers are not the first "thing" (Customers aren't first)
"Lo" primero son los empleados ---> The first "thing" are employees (First are employees)

Cheers!

Answer

"Lo" in Spanish is an article like "the" in English. The difference between others like "el" or "la" is because "lo" is a neutral article and it does refer neither the masculine neither the feminine.
I thank if you correct my written mistakes.

لا تفوّت فرصة تعلّم لغة جديدة وأنت مرتاح في منزلك. تصفّح مجموعتنا المختارة من مدرّسي اللغات ذوي الخبرة وسجّل في درسك الأول الآن!