inicial
/ee-nee-SYAL/
initial
The word inicial (adjective) means initial, referring to the first stage or part of something, like the beginning of a path.
inicial(adjective)
initial
?first stage or part
,starting
?point or phase
original
?the first version
📝 In Action
La fase inicial del proyecto es la más importante.
A1The initial phase of the project is the most important.
Tuvimos un costo inicial de 50 euros para empezar el curso.
A2We had a starting cost of 50 euros to begin the course.
Su reacción inicial fue de sorpresa, pero luego se calmó.
B1His initial reaction was surprise, but then he calmed down.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'inicial' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'la fase inicial', not 'la inicial fase'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "El problema iniciala."
Correction: El problema inicial. Since 'inicial' ends in -al, it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el problema) or feminine (la fase).
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'Starting Point'
Whenever you mean 'the very first part of something,' 'inicial' is the perfect word to use.
As a noun, inicial refers to the first letter of a name, here visualized as the distinct first block in a sequence.
📝 In Action
Solo necesito que escribas tu inicial en este documento.
A2I just need you to write your initial on this document.
Mis iniciales son L. R. C.
A2My initials are L. R. C.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
When 'inicial' refers to a letter, it is always a feminine noun: 'la inicial' (the initial) or 'las iniciales' (the initials).
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural Usage
We often use the plural 'las iniciales' when referring to all the starting letters of a full name (like J.F.K.).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: inicial
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'inicial' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'inicial' change its ending for masculine and feminine words?
No. Because 'inicial' ends in the letter 'l' (a consonant), it is an adjective that stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (el plan inicial) or feminine (la fase inicial).
What is the difference between 'inicial' and 'inicio'?
'Inicial' is an adjective, meaning 'starting' (e.g., 'the initial step'). 'Inicio' is the noun, meaning 'the beginning' or 'the start' itself (e.g., 'the start of the week').