A close-up view of a tiny green seedling with two small leaves pushing up through a patch of rich brown soil, illustrating the start of life.

comienzo

koh-MYEN-soh

nounmA1

start?general beginning,beginning?initial stage of something

Also:outset?formal start of an event or period

📝 In Action

El comienzo de la primavera es mi época favorita.

The start of spring is my favorite time of year.

Necesitas un buen comienzo para tener éxito en este curso.

You need a good start to succeed in this course.

Daremos comienzo a la reunión tan pronto como llegue el director.

We will begin the meeting as soon as the director arrives. (Literally: We will give beginning to...)

Word Connections

Synonyms

inicio (start, beginning)
principio (beginning, principle)

Antonyms

fin (end)
final (ending)

Common Collocations

al comienzo de – at the beginning of
dar comienzo a – to start/to kick off

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Since 'comienzo' is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine articles 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el comienzo' (the beginning).

Preposition 'De'

To link 'comienzo' to what is starting, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'el comienzo del mes' (the beginning of the month).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'yo comienzo' (I begin) when you mean the noun 'el comienzo' (the start)."

Correction: 'Comienzo' can be the noun OR the verb form. Ensure you include 'el' or 'un' if you mean the thing itself: 'El comienzo fue difícil.' (The start was difficult.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Informal Start

While 'inicio' and 'principio' are often interchangeable, 'comienzo' is generally the most common and neutral way to say 'start' in everyday conversation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: comienzo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'comienzo' as a noun?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

comenzar(to start, to begin) - verb

iniciar(to initiate, to start) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'comienzo' a noun or a verb?

'Comienzo' is both! It is the masculine noun meaning 'the start' or 'the beginning.' It is also the specific verb form that means 'I begin' (from the verb *comenzar*).

What is the difference between 'comienzo' and 'inicio'?

They mean the same thing ('start' or 'beginning') and are interchangeable in most situations. 'Comienzo' is extremely common, while 'inicio' might sound slightly more technical or administrative.