comienzan
/koh-mee-EHN-sahn/
they begin
Showing three runners at the starting line, this image illustrates how comienzan means 'they begin' an activity.
comienzan(verb)
they begin
?initiating an activity
,they start
?initiating an event
you begin
?ustedes form, formal plural
,you start
?ustedes form, formal plural
📝 In Action
Los partidos de fútbol comienzan a las siete de la noche.
A1The soccer games start at seven in the evening.
Ellos comienzan un nuevo proyecto la próxima semana.
A2They are starting a new project next week.
Ustedes siempre comienzan el trabajo con mucha energía.
A2You (plural formal) always begin the work with a lot of energy.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change Alert
The verb 'comenzar' is irregular. When you use 'yo,' 'tú,' 'él/ella/usted,' or 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' in the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ie' (e.g., comienzan). The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms stay regular (comenzamos).
When to use 'a'
If you want to say 'to start DOING something,' you must put the word 'a' before the next verb: 'Comienzan a hablar' (They start to talk).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Comenzan (missing the 'i')"
Correction: Comienzan. Remember the 'e' becomes 'ie' in most present tense forms, including this one.
Using the Wrong Preposition
Mistake: "Comienzan con hablar"
Correction: Comienzan a hablar. When linking 'comenzar' to an activity, use the preposition 'a'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
In 'comienzan,' the stress falls on the syllable 'mien' (koh-mee-EHN-sahn), which is typical for these stem-changing verbs.
The emerging sprouts illustrate the gradual process implied by comienzan meaning 'they are starting to' (a state).
comienzan(verb)
they are starting to
?initiating a gradual state or emotion
,they begin to feel/seem
?describing a change in state
📝 In Action
Comienzan a sentirse incómodos con la situación.
B1They are starting to feel uncomfortable with the situation.
Las hojas comienzan a caer en otoño.
B2The leaves are starting to fall in autumn.
💡 Grammar Points
Action vs. State
When 'comenzar' is followed by a reflexive verb (like sentirse), it describes the start of a personal or emotional state, focusing on the internal experience of the subjects.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
subjunctive
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comienzan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'comienzan' to mean 'The children start reading'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comenzar' or 'empezar' more common?
Both mean 'to start' and are completely interchangeable in most situations. 'Comenzar' is slightly more formal, but both are used constantly in everyday conversation.
Why does the spelling change from 'comenzar' to 'comienzan'?
The verb 'comenzar' is a 'boot verb' or 'stem-changing verb.' In the present tense, the vowel 'e' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ie' in all forms except for 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural informal).