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empieces

em-pyeh-sesemˈpjeθes

“empieces” means “you start” in Spanish (when expressing a wish, command, or doubt (present subjunctive)).

you start, you begin

Also: that you start
Verb (Conjugated Form)B1irregular (stem-changing and spelling-changing) ar
A simple illustration of a stylized figure pushing open a large, brightly colored red wooden door, symbolizing the beginning of a task or journey.
infinitiveempezar
gerundempezando
past Participleempezado

📝 In Action

Espero que empieces a estudiar pronto.

A2

I hope that you start studying soon.

No creo que empieces la dieta mañana.

B1

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

Te pido que empieces el proyecto con cuidado.

B1

I ask that you begin the project carefully.

Word Connections

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

Common Collocations

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

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

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

imperfect

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

preterite

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

subjunctive

present

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

imperfect

él/ella/ustedempezara
yoempezara
túempezaras
ellos/ellas/ustedesempezaran
nosotrosempezáramos
vosotrosempezarais
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "empieces" in Spanish:

you begin→you start→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
parecesofreces
📚 Etymology▼

The verb 'empezar' comes from the older Spanish word 'pezar' (meaning 'to start') combined with the prefix 'en-' (in, on). It has roots in Vulgar Latin and is related to concepts of hitting a target or marking a starting point.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in its current form.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: começarFrench: commencer

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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').