Forgetting the Stem Change

In the present tense, the 'e' in 'empezar' changes to 'ie' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Notice how 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' keep the original 'e'. Think of it as a 'boot verb' because the forms that change make a boot shape in the conjugation chart!

The 'e' to 'ie' Change

To keep the right sound, the letter 'z' changes to 'c' before an 'e'. You'll see this in the 'yo' form of the preterite past tense ('empecé') and all forms of the present subjunctive ('empiece', 'empieces', etc.).

The 'z' to 'c' Spelling Rule

Most of the time, 'empezar' and 'comenzar' mean the exact same thing and you can use whichever you prefer. 'Comenzar' can sometimes sound a little more formal.

Empezar vs. Comenzar

Extremely common. One of the very first verbs you'll learn and use every day.

Forgetting the 'a'

When you want to say you're starting *to do* something, you need to connect 'empezar' to the next verb with the little word 'a'. For example, 'Empiezo a leer' (I start to read).

Connecting to Another Action

Use 'empezar a' to talk about the beginning of an action itself ('Empezó a llover' - It started to rain). Use 'empezar por' to talk about the first step in a series of actions ('Empecemos por el principio' - Let's start at the beginning).

'Empezar a' vs. 'Empezar por'

This is a core grammatical structure used constantly to talk about starting an action.

Learn the full meaning of the Spanish verb 'empezar' (to start, to begin). See complete conjugation tables, examples with 'empezar a', usage tips, and common mistakes.

empezar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations