Missing the Stem Change

Confusing Endings

The verb *empezar* is irregular! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most forms of the present tense (like 'empiezan'). The only people who avoid this change are 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' (e.g., *empezamos*).

The Stem Change Rule

To say that someone starts *doing* something, you must use the small word 'a' right after *empiezan*: 'Empiezan *a* correr' (They start to run).

Starting an Action

*Empezar* and *comenzar* are interchangeable, meaning 'to start.' Choose *empezar* if you want to sound slightly more common in everyday conversation.

When to Choose Empezar

Extremely common. This is the standard way to say that a group of people or things 'start' or 'begin' an action.

"Empiezan" is the third-person plural present indicative form of the essential Spanish verb 'empezar' (to start/begin). Learn its irregular E>IE stem change, usage tips, and full conjugation tables.

empiezan

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations