comencemos
koh-mehn-SEH-mohs
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ya tenemos todo listo. ¡Comencemos la reunión!
A2We already have everything ready. Let's start the meeting!
Si todos están de acuerdo, comencemos a trabajar en el proyecto ahora.
B1If everyone agrees, let's begin working on the project now.
No quiero que comencemos sin el profesor.
B2I don't want us to start without the teacher.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Let's' Command
In Spanish, the way you say 'Let's [do something]' is usually by using the 'nosotros' form of a special verb mood (called the present subjunctive). 'Comencemos' is this exact form for 'comenzar'.
Spelling Rule (Z to C)
The base verb is 'comenZar.' When the 'Z' comes before the letter 'E' (like in 'comencemos'), Spanish rules require the 'Z' to change to a 'C' to keep the same sound. This happens only in certain forms.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the 'Let's' form
Mistake: "Using the indicative form for a command: 'Comenzamos ahora.'"
Correction: The correct command is 'Comencemos ahora.' The form 'comenzamos' just means 'We are starting' (a statement), not 'Let's start' (a suggestion).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Collective Action
Use 'comencemos' whenever you are part of the group and proposing an action. It is equivalent to 'We should start' or 'How about we start?'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comencemos
Question 1 of 1
Which Spanish phrase correctly translates 'Let's begin the dance'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comencemos' the same as 'empecemos'?
Yes, they mean the same thing ('Let's start/begin') and are generally interchangeable in most everyday situations. 'Comenzar' and 'empezar' are synonyms for 'to start.' 'Empecemos' is slightly more common in spoken conversation.
Why does 'comenzar' change its spelling to 'comencemos'?
This is a basic Spanish spelling rule. The letter 'Z' can only appear before 'A', 'O', or 'U' (za, zo, zu). When the verb form requires a 'Z' sound before an 'E' or 'I' (ze, zi), it must be written as a 'C' instead (ce, ci) to keep the correct pronunciation. Hence, 'comenZar' becomes 'comenCemos'.