Inklingo

empezando

em-peh-SAHN-dohempeˈθando

empezando means starting in Spanish (action in progress).

starting, beginningAlso: getting started

VerbA1irregular (stem-changing e > ie) ar
A close-up view of a paintbrush touching a white canvas, applying a single line of bright blue paint, symbolizing the beginning of a task.
infinitiveempezar
gerundempezando
past Participleempezado

📝 In Action

Estamos empezando a entender la gramática.

A1

We are starting to understand the grammar.

Empezando por ti, todos deben participar.

A2

Starting with you, everyone must participate.

¿Qué estás haciendo? — Estoy empezando la cena.

A1

What are you doing? — I am starting dinner.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar empezandoto be starting (right now)
  • empezando porstarting with

Indicative

Present

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

Imperfect

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

Preterite

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

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

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

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoempezara
empezaras
él/ella/ustedempezara
nosotrosempezáramos
vosotrosempezarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesempezaran

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "empezando" in Spanish:

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: empezando

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'empezando' to describe an ongoing action?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

This word comes from the verb *empezar*, which evolved from the Vulgar Latin word *impetiare*. This root relates to putting one's foot forward or getting stuck, which evolved into the idea of starting or commencing an action.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: empeçar

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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).