empiecen
em-pyee-sen
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que los estudiantes empiecen a estudiar pronto.
A2I hope that the students start studying soon.
¡Empiecen el examen ahora mismo!
A1Start the exam right now!
Les pido que no empiecen sin mí.
B1I ask that you all don't start without me.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Use (Wishes/Influence)
You use 'empiecen' when expressing wishes, desires, or influence over a group (they/you all). For example: 'Quiero que ellos empiecen' (I want them to start).
Stem Change Reminder
The verb 'empezar' changes its 'e' to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including 'empiecen'. This is why it is not 'empecen'.
Formal Commands
'Empiecen' is also the formal command form for 'you all' (ustedes). It tells a group of people what to do: '¡Empiecen a comer!' (Start eating!).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Espero que ellos *empecen*."
Correction: Espero que ellos *empiecen*. (Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie'.)
Using the Indicative in Subjunctive Contexts
Mistake: "Dudo que ellos *empiezan* a tiempo."
Correction: Dudo que ellos *empiecen* a tiempo. (When expressing doubt, Spanish requires the special verb form, 'empiecen'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Follow Subjunctive Triggers
If the sentence starts with a phrase expressing emotion, doubt, or necessity (like 'Es necesario que...' or 'Me alegra que...'), the verb that follows for 'ellos/ustedes' will be 'empiecen'.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empiecen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'empiecen' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'empiecen' used instead of 'empiezan'?
'Empiecen' is used when we are talking about a wish, doubt, necessity, or command (the subjunctive mood). 'Empiezan' is used to state a fact in the present (the indicative mood). For example: 'They start now' (Ellos empiezan ahora) vs. 'I want them to start now' (Quiero que ellos empiecen ahora).
Is 'empiecen' formal or informal?
When used as a command, 'empiecen' is the formal way to address a group of people (ustedes). It is the standard form used in most Latin American countries and for formal speech in Spain.