empezando
em-peh-SAHN-doh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Estamos empezando a entender la gramática.
A1We are starting to understand the grammar.
Empezando por ti, todos deben participar.
A2Starting with you, everyone must participate.
¿Qué estás haciendo? — Estoy empezando la cena.
A1What are you doing? — I am starting dinner.
💡 Grammar Points
The Continuous Action
Use 'empezando' after a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action that is happening right now, like 'Estoy empezando' (I am starting).
The Stem Change
Remember that the base verb 'empezar' changes its vowel from 'e' to 'ie' in most present tense forms (e.g., 'yo empiezo'), but the gerund 'empezando' does not change its stem.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mistaking the Base Verb
Mistake: "Using 'yo empezando' instead of 'yo estoy empezando'."
Correction: The gerund 'empezando' cannot stand alone as the main verb; it must be paired with 'estar' or another helper verb to show an ongoing action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Flow
When using 'empezando' to introduce a list or a sequence, it often translates simply as 'starting with' or 'first of all'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empezando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'empezando' to describe an ongoing action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'empezando' the same as 'comenzando'?
Yes, they are synonyms and mean the same thing ('starting' or 'beginning'). 'Empezando' is often slightly more common in everyday speech across many regions.
How do I use 'empezando' when giving instructions?
You can use it as a standalone phrase, usually followed by 'por' (by or with) to list the first step. Example: 'Empezando por lavar las manos' (Starting by washing your hands).