empezar
/em-peh-SAR/
to start
This image shows the moment someone starts a race, illustrating the general meaning of "empezar" (to start, to begin).
📝 In Action
La clase empieza a las nueve.
A1The class starts at nine.
¿A qué hora empieza la película?
A1What time does the movie start?
Empecé un nuevo trabajo la semana pasada.
A2I started a new job last week.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'e' to 'ie' Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in 'empezar' changes to 'ie' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Notice how 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' keep the original 'e'. Think of it as a 'boot verb' because the forms that change make a boot shape in the conjugation chart!
The 'z' to 'c' Spelling Rule
To keep the right sound, the letter 'z' changes to 'c' before an 'e'. You'll see this in the 'yo' form of the preterite past tense ('empecé') and all forms of the present subjunctive ('empiece', 'empieces', etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo *empezo* la tarea."
Correction: Yo *empiezo* la tarea. Don't forget that the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the present tense for most forms.
⭐ Usage Tips
Empezar vs. Comenzar
Most of the time, 'empezar' and 'comenzar' mean the exact same thing and you can use whichever you prefer. 'Comenzar' can sometimes sound a little more formal.
When you use "empezar a," you are starting to do something, like starting to build a tower.
📝 In Action
El niño empezó a llorar.
A2The child started to cry.
Mañana empiezo a comer más sano.
A2Tomorrow I'm starting to eat healthier.
Empecemos por organizar la información.
B1Let's start by organizing the information.
💡 Grammar Points
Connecting to Another Action
When you want to say you're starting to do something, you need to connect 'empezar' to the next verb with the little word 'a'. For example, 'Empiezo a leer' (I start to read).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "Quiero empezar estudiar español."
Correction: Quiero empezar a estudiar español. In English we say 'start studying', but in Spanish you almost always need that 'a' to connect 'empezar' to the action that follows.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Empezar a' vs. 'Empezar por'
Use 'empezar a' to talk about the beginning of an action itself ('Empezó a llover' - It started to rain). Use 'empezar por' to talk about the first step in a series of actions ('Empecemos por el principio' - Let's start at the beginning).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empezar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'I am starting to understand'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'empezar' and 'comenzar'?
In everyday conversation, there's practically no difference. You can use them interchangeably. 'Comenzar' can sometimes sound a little more formal or literary, but 'empezar' is always a safe and common choice.
Do I always need to put 'a' after 'empezar'?
No, only when what follows is another action (a verb). If you are starting a thing (a noun), you don't need 'a'. Compare: 'Empiezo la clase' (I'm starting the class) vs. 'Empiezo a estudiar' (I'm starting to study).