empiezo
“empiezo” means “I start” in Spanish (action initiation).
I start, I begin
Also: I get started
📝 In Action
Empiezo mi dieta mañana.
A1I start my diet tomorrow.
Siempre empiezo el trabajo revisando mis correos.
A2I always begin work by checking my emails.
Si no empiezo a estudiar ahora, no terminaré a tiempo.
B1If I don't start studying now, I won't finish on time.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: empiezo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the 'yo' form of the verb 'to start'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *impetiāre*, likely derived from the word for 'foot' or 'piece' (pez), suggesting the idea of taking the first step or starting a piece of work.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'empezar' have a 'z' in the infinitive but an 'c' in 'empecé'?
This is a spelling rule! When you conjugate verbs ending in -zar (like empezar) in the 'yo' preterite form, the 'z' must change to a 'c' before the letter 'e' to maintain the correct soft 's' sound. If it stayed 'z', it would sound different.