empezaba
“empezaba” means “was starting” in Spanish (an action that was already happening in the past).
was starting, used to start
Also: began
📝 In Action
Yo empezaba a cocinar cuando llegaste.
A2I was starting to cook when you arrived.
La clase siempre empezaba a las nueve.
A2The class always used to start at nine.
Ella empezaba su día con un café.
B1She used to start her day with a coffee.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: empezaba
Question 1 of 1
If you want to say 'I used to start my day at 6 AM,' which word do you use?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish words 'en' (in) and 'pieza' (piece). It originally referred to taking the first piece of something or getting into the first part of a task.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'empezaba' mean 'I' or 'he'?
It can mean both! It is the form for 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (you, formal). Usually, the context of the conversation makes it clear who you mean.
What is the difference between 'empezaba' and 'comenzaba'?
They are almost identical and can be used interchangeably. 'Empezar' is slightly more common in everyday speech, while 'comenzar' can sound just a tiny bit more formal.