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empecemos

em-peh-SEH-mosempeˈsemos

“empecemos” means “let's start” in Spanish (as a suggestion or command).

let's start, let's begin

Also: we should start
VerbA1irregular (e > ie stem change in some forms) ar
A simplified illustration showing two friendly, stylized figures stepping together across a bright white line onto a vibrant green path, symbolizing the beginning of an action.
infinitiveempezar
gerundempezando
past Participleempezado

📝 In Action

¡Ya es tarde! Empecemos la reunión.

A1

It's already late! Let's start the meeting.

Empecemos por el primer capítulo.

A2

Let's begin with the first chapter.

No empecemos a discutir sobre eso otra vez.

B1

Let's not start arguing about that again.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • comencemos (let's commence)
  • iniciemos (let's initiate)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • Empecemos por aquí. – Let's start here.
  • Empecemos de nuevo. – Let's start over (anew).

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedempieza
yoempiezo
túempiezas
ellos/ellas/ustedesempiezan
nosotrosempezamos
vosotrosempezáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedempezaba
yoempezaba
túempezabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesempezaban
nosotrosempezábamos
vosotrosempezabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedempezó
yoempecé
túempezaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesempezaron
nosotrosempezamos
vosotrosempezasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedempiece
yoempiece
túempieces
ellos/ellas/ustedesempiecen
nosotrosempecemos
vosotrosempecéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedempezara/empezase
yoempezara/empezase
túempezaras/empezases
ellos/ellas/ustedesempezaran/empezasen
nosotrosempezáramos/empezásemos
vosotrosempezarais/empezaseis
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "empecemos" in Spanish:

let's begin→let's start→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: empecemos

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'empecemos' to make a suggestion?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
empezar(to start, to begin) — Verb
el principio(the beginning) — Noun
el comienzo(the start) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
paremoscomamos
📚 Etymology▼

The root verb 'empezar' comes from the Latin prefix *in-* (meaning 'in' or 'into') combined with a root related to 'foot' or 'base,' suggesting the idea of 'setting foot on' or 'taking the first step.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: começarFrench: commencer

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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.