A simplified cartoon figure, depicted in a storybook style, leaping forward from a clearly marked starting line on a green field, symbolizing the beginning of an action or race.

empiece

em-pyeh-seh

Verb (Conjugation)B1irregular (stem-changing: e → ie) ar

start?when referring to a wished or commanded action,begin?when referring to a desired or doubtful beginning

Also:commence?formal synonym

Quick Reference

infinitiveempezar

gerundempezando

past Participleempezado

📝 In Action

Quiero que mi hijo empiece la escuela en septiembre.

I want my son to start school in September.

¡Empiece usted el discurso ahora, por favor!

Please, start the speech now!

Dudo que ella empiece a trabajar tan pronto.

I doubt that she starts working so soon.

Word Connections

Synonyms

comience (begin (subjunctive))
arranque (start/get going (subjunctive))

Antonyms

termine (finish (subjunctive))
acabe (end (subjunctive))

Common Collocations

que empiece la fiesta – let the party start
es importante que empiece – it is important that he/she/you start

💡 Grammar Points

The Subjunctive Mood

This form ('empiece') is part of the special verb set (the Subjunctive) used when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, or when commanding someone formally (usted).

Formal Commands

When you give a formal instruction to 'usted' (the polite 'you'), you use 'empiece' for starting an action: '¡Empiece a leer!' (Start reading!).

Stem Change E → IE

The base verb 'empezar' changes the 'e' in its stem to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including 'empiece'. Remember this vowel shift!

❌ Common Pitfalls

Missing the Stem Change

Mistake: "Using *empece* instead of *empiece*."

Correction: The correct form is *empiece*. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' to keep the sound consistent with the infinitive's structure in these forms.

Confusing Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Mistake: "Saying 'Quiero que él empieza' (using the normal verb form)."

Correction: After verbs like 'querer' (to want), Spanish requires the special form: 'Quiero que él empiece'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Subjunctive Trigger

Think of 'empiece' as the form you use when the starting action is desired or uncertain, not when it is a simple fact. If it's a fact, use 'empieza' (e.g., 'El juego empieza a las ocho').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: empiece

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'empiece' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

empezar(to start/begin) - verb

el principio(the beginning) - noun

principiante(beginner) - noun/adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'empiece' and 'empieza'?

'Empieza' (with an 'a') is the normal, factual present tense form (He/She/You formal starts). 'Empiece' (with an 'e') is the special form used for wishes, doubts, emotions, or for giving a formal command (Start!).

When should I use 'empiece' instead of 'comience'?

Both mean 'start' or 'begin' and are interchangeable in most contexts. 'Empezar' is generally more common and slightly less formal than 'comenzar' (the infinitive of 'comience').