This is the 286th most frequent Russian word.
первые
"Первые" means "the first ones" in English.
"Первые" is used as a description of 'flowers', indicating they are the initial ones of the season.
Первые цветы весны радуют глаз.
The first flowers of spring delight the eye.
"Первые" describes 'stages', indicating they are at the beginning of the educational process.
На первых этапах учебы важно понимать основы.
At the first stages of education, it is important to understand the basics.
"Первые" modifies 'three places', indicating the top positions in order of ranking in the competition.