comienzo

koh-MYEN-soh/koˈmjenso/

“comienzo” means “start” in Spanish (general beginning).

start, beginning

Also: outset

NounmA1

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.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "comienzo" in Spanish:

beginning→outset→

✏️ 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

🎵 Rhymes▼

tropiezorezos

📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the verb *comenzar*, which evolved from Vulgar Latin *cominitiāre*, a combination of the prefix *con-* (together, with) and *initiare* (to begin). It has been related to starting things 'together' or setting something in motion.

First recorded: 13th century (in its verb form)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: começoFrench: commencement

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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.