comience
“comience” means “start” in Spanish (when giving a formal command (Usted)).
📝 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.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: comience
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'comience' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
From Vulgar Latin *cominitiāre, a combination of the prefix *com-* (with, together) and *initiāre* (to begin). The root is shared with the English word 'commence'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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!'