inicial
“inicial” means “initial” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
initial, starting
Also: original
📝 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.
initial
Also: first letter
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inicial
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'inicial' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *initialis*, which itself is derived from *initium*, meaning 'beginning' or 'start.' It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages to describe the first part of anything.
First recorded: 15th century (as recorded in print)
Cognates (Related words)
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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').