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A close-up view of dark soil with a small brown seed beginning to sprout, showing a bright green shoot pushing upward, symbolizing the start of a continuous process.

comenzando

koh-men-SAHN-doh

Verbal Form (Gerund)A1stem-changing (e>ie in some forms) and orthographic change in preterite (c>cé) ar
starting?as part of a continuous action,beginning?as part of a continuous action
Also:getting started?informal action

Quick Reference

infinitivecomenzar
gerundcomenzando
past Participlecomenzado

📝 In Action

Estamos comenzando el proyecto ahora mismo.

A1

We are starting the project right now.

Ella estuvo comenzando a sentirse mejor después de la medicina.

A2

She was beginning to feel better after the medicine.

Comenzando por el principio, ¿qué pasó anoche?

B1

Starting from the beginning, what happened last night?

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • terminando (finishing)
  • finalizando (ending)

Common Collocations

  • estar comenzando – to be starting
  • comenzando a entender – starting to understand

💡 Grammar Points

The Continuous Action

You use 'comenzando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás', 'está') to show an action is happening right now or was happening in the past. Example: 'Estamos comenzando' (We are starting).

Adverbial Use

Sometimes 'comenzando' acts like an adverb, explaining how or when something happens, often at the start of a sentence. Example: 'Comenzando el lunes, haré ejercicio' (Starting on Monday, I will exercise).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gerund and Infinitive

Mistake: "Quiero comenzando el libro."

Correction: Quiero comenzar el libro. (I want to start the book). Remember that 'comenzando' is only used for continuous actions or as an adverb.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use 'Empezar' too!

The verb 'empezar' (empezando) means exactly the same thing as 'comenzar' (comenzando). Feel free to use either one!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: comenzando

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'comenzando' to describe an action happening right now?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'comenzando' and 'comenzar'?

'Comenzar' is the base verb (to start). 'Comenzando' is the '—ing' form (starting). You use 'comenzando' when you need to show an action is in progress ('I am starting') or when it acts as an adverb ('Starting now, I will work').