A simple illustration of a stylized figure pushing open a large, brightly colored red wooden door, symbolizing the beginning of a task or journey.

empieces

em-pyeh-ses

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1irregular (stem-changing and spelling-changing) ar

you start?when expressing a wish, command, or doubt (present subjunctive),you begin?when expressing a wish, command, or doubt (present subjunctive)

Also:that you start?often follows 'que' in complex sentences

Quick Reference

infinitiveempezar

gerundempezando

past Participleempezado

📝 In Action

Espero que empieces a estudiar pronto.

I hope that you start studying soon.

No creo que empieces la dieta mañana.

I don't believe you will start the diet tomorrow.

Te pido que empieces el proyecto con cuidado.

I ask that you begin the project carefully.

Word Connections

Synonyms

comiences (you start (from comenzar))
arrancar (to start (a machine or journey))

Antonyms

termines (you finish)
acabes (you end)

Common Collocations

que empieces el día – that you start the day
antes de que empieces – before you start

💡 Grammar Points

Subjunctive Mood

This form ('empieces') is used when the verb is governed by a feeling, desire, doubt, or necessity, often following verbs like 'querer' (to want) or expressions like 'es importante que...' (it is important that...).

Stem Change (E→IE)

The vowel 'e' in the middle of the verb stem changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including all forms of the present subjunctive except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

Spelling Change (Z→C)

To keep the 's' sound consistent, the 'z' in 'empezar' must change to a 'c' whenever it comes before the letter 'e' (e.g., empiece, empieces, empecemos). This is a required spelling rule.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: "Espero que empiezas el trabajo."

Correction: Espero que empieces el trabajo. (The verb 'esperar' triggers the special subjunctive form 'empieces' because you are expressing a wish, not a fact.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Tú' Form

Remember that 'empieces' is the 'tú' (informal you) form. If you are addressing someone formally, you must use 'empiece' (Usted form).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: empieces

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses the 'tú' form of the verb 'empezar' in the present subjunctive?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

empezar(to start, to begin) - verb

el principio(the beginning) - noun

el comienzo(the start) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'empezar' change its 'z' to a 'c' in 'empieces'?

This is a mandatory Spanish spelling rule! In Spanish, the letter 'z' can never be followed by the letter 'e' or 'i'. Since the present subjunctive ending for 'tú' starts with 'e' ('-es'), the 'z' must change to 'c' to keep the correct 's' sound.

What is the difference between 'empieces' and 'empiezas'?

'Empiezas' is the standard 'you start' (present indicative), used for facts ('You start work at 9'). 'Empieces' is the special form (present subjunctive), used for wishes, doubts, or emotions ('I wish you start work now').