iniciar
/ee-nee-SYAR/
to start
When referring to an activity or process, iniciar means to start.
iniciar(verb)
to start
?an activity, process
,to begin
?a project, a phase
to launch
?a campaign or product
,to initiate
?formal procedures
📝 In Action
Necesitamos iniciar la reunión a las diez en punto.
A1We need to start the meeting exactly at ten o'clock.
El presidente inició una nueva investigación sobre el caso.
B1The president began a new investigation into the case.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Use
When you use 'iniciar' in this way, it always needs to 'start' something directly. For example, 'iniciar el coche' (start the car).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Start/Begin
Mistake: "La clase inicia a las tres."
Correction: La clase empieza a las tres. ('Empezar' or 'comenzar' are usually better when the subject starts by itself, like a class or a movie.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Use 'iniciar' when the action is more official, like starting a formal process, a legal procedure, or a major project. It sounds more professional than 'empezar'.
When joining a group or learning a skill, iniciar means to be initiated.
iniciar(verb)
to be initiated
?into a group or skill
,to take up
?a hobby or career
to start (by itself)
?a fire, a conflict
📝 In Action
Mi hermano se inició en la programación el año pasado.
B1My brother started/took up programming last year.
La tormenta se inició de repente, sin previo aviso.
B2The storm started suddenly, without previous warning.
Ella fue la primera mujer en iniciarse en ese club.
C1She was the first woman to be initiated into that club.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Requirement
When you use 'iniciarse,' you must include the small word 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' 'nos,' etc.) before the verb. This shows that the subject is starting itself or entering a new phase.
Linking Word 'En'
When talking about starting a new field or hobby, 'iniciarse' is almost always followed by the word 'en' (in/into): 'Se inició en el ajedrez' (He started in chess).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Pronoun
Mistake: "El proyecto inicia mañana."
Correction: El proyecto se inicia mañana. (If the project starts by itself, it needs the reflexive pronoun 'se' to show the action is contained within the subject.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Self-Starting Events
Use 'iniciarse' when something begins without a clear external agent, like a fire, a storm, or a conflict: 'El incendio se inició por un cortocircuito' (The fire started due to a short circuit).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: iniciar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'iniciar' in its pronominal form?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'iniciar' and 'empezar'?
'Iniciar' and 'empezar' both mean 'to start' or 'to begin.' 'Empezar' is more common and informal for everyday things (e.g., 'empezar a comer'). 'Iniciar' is slightly more formal and is often used for official actions, procedures, or major projects (e.g., 'iniciar un proceso legal').
How do I say 'log in' using 'iniciar'?
The common phrase is 'iniciar sesión' (to start a session). You would say 'Voy a iniciar sesión' (I am going to log in).