comience
koh-myEHN-seh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Por favor, **comience** la reunión a tiempo.
A2Please, **start** the meeting on time.
Necesito que él **comience** a estudiar para el examen.
B1I need him to **begin** studying for the exam.
Ojalá que la película no **comience** tarde.
B1I hope the movie doesn't **start** late.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem-Changing Pattern
The base verb comenzar is tricky because the 'e' changes to 'ie' in most present forms, like comience. This helps you remember that the action is starting now.
Spelling Rule (Z to C)
Notice the 'z' changes to a 'c' right before the 'e' in comience. This is a special Spanish spelling rule necessary to keep the 'k' sound consistent.
Subjunctive Triggers
Comience is the special verb form used after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity, especially when the person doing the starting is different from the person speaking (e.g., 'Quiero que usted comience...').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood
Mistake: "Espero que él comienza."
Correction: Espero que él **comience**. (Verbs expressing hope or emotion require the special verb form, not the regular present form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
If you are giving a polite, formal instruction to one person (Usted), use comience as a direct command: 'Comience ahora, por favor!' (Start now, please!).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comience
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'comience' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comience' the same as 'comienza'?
No. They both mean 'starts/begins,' but they are used in different situations. 'Comienza' is the regular present tense (e.g., 'El tren comienza ahora'). 'Comience' is the special form used for wishes, doubts, and formal commands (e.g., 'Espero que **comience** pronto').
If I want to tell a friend to start, should I use 'comience'?
No, 'comience' is reserved for formal situations or when addressing someone with 'Usted.' For a friend (Tú), you should use the informal command: '¡Comienza!'