empecemos
em-peh-SEH-mos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¡Ya es tarde! Empecemos la reunión.
A1It's already late! Let's start the meeting.
Empecemos por el primer capítulo.
A2Let's begin with the first chapter.
No empecemos a discutir sobre eso otra vez.
B1Let's not start arguing about that again.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Let's' Form
In Spanish, to say 'Let's [do something],' you use the 'nosotros' form of the special verb mood (called the present subjunctive). 'Empecemos' is exactly that—a way to propose an action to your group.
Spelling Change Rule
The infinitive is 'empezar.' When conjugating verbs that end in -zar before an 'e' (like in 'empecemos'), the 'z' changes to a 'c' to keep the correct 's' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Let's Start' with 'We Start'
Mistake: "Using 'Empezamos' (We start) when you mean 'Empecemos' (Let's start)."
Correction: 'Empezamos' is a statement of fact (We start/We started). 'Empecemos' is a suggestion or command (Let's start!).
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emphasis
It's very common to start a proposal with 'Bueno, empecemos...' (Okay, let's start...) or 'Venga, empecemos...' (Come on, let's start...).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empecemos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'empecemos' to make a suggestion?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'empecemos' and 'empezamos'?
'Empecemos' (with 'c') is the suggestion 'Let's start.' 'Empezamos' (with 'z') is a statement that means 'We start' (present tense) or 'We started' (past tense).
Is 'empecemos' rude or informal?
No, 'empecemos' is a perfectly neutral and appropriate way to initiate an activity in any setting, from a formal business meeting to a casual dinner with friends.