Inklingo
Dictionary

iniciar

ee-nee-SYARi.niˈsjar

“iniciar” means “to start” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to startA1Verb

an activity, process

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to be initiatedB1Verb

into a group or skill

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to start, to beginAlso: to launch, to initiate

VerbA1regular ar
A runner in colorful attire poised at a starting line on a bright track, ready to spring forward, symbolizing the beginning of a race.
infinitiveiniciar
gerundiniciando
past Participleiniciado

📝 In Action

Necesitamos iniciar la reunión a las diez en punto.

A1

We need to start the meeting exactly at ten o'clock.

El presidente inició una nueva investigación sobre el caso.

B1

The president began a new investigation into the case.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • iniciar sesión – to log in / to start a session (computer use)
  • iniciar un diálogo – to start a dialogue

to be initiated, to take upAlso: to start (by itself)

VerbB1pronominal (iniciarse) ar
A friendly group of cartoon figures welcoming a new member by presenting them with a distinctive, colorful badge, symbolizing initiation.

📝 In Action

Mi hermano se inició en la programación el año pasado.

B1

My brother started/took up programming last year.

La tormenta se inició de repente, sin previo aviso.

B2

The storm started suddenly, without previous warning.

Ella fue la primera mujer en iniciarse en ese club.

C1

She was the first woman to be initiated into that club.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • meterse (to get into (informal))
  • introducirse (to introduce oneself (into a field))

Common Collocations

  • iniciarse en un deporte – to start a sport
  • iniciarse en la lectura – to start reading (as a habit)

Indicative

Present

yoinicio
túinicias
él/ella/ustedinicia
nosotrosiniciamos
vosotrosiniciáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesinician

Imperfect

yoiniciaba
túiniciabas
él/ella/ustediniciaba
nosotrosiniciábamos
vosotrosiniciabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesiniciaban

Preterite

yoinicié
túiniciaste
él/ella/ustedinició
nosotrosiniciamos
vosotrosiniciasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesiniciaron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yoinicie
túinicies
él/ella/ustedinicie
nosotrosiniciemos
vosotrosiniciéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesinicien

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoiniciara/iniciase
túiniciaras/iniciases
él/ella/ustediniciara/iniciase
nosotrosiniciáramos/iniciásemos
vosotrosiniciarais/iniciaseis
ellos/ellas/ustedesiniciaran/iniciasen
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Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "iniciar" in Spanish:

to beginto initiateto launchto start

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: iniciar

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'iniciar' in its pronominal form?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
inicio(start, beginning (noun)) — Noun
inicial(initial, starting (adjective)) — Adjective
iniciativa(initiative) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
sacrificarjustificar
📚 Etymology

Comes directly from the Latin verb *initiare*, which meant 'to begin' or 'to introduce.' The Latin root *in-* means 'into' and *ire* means 'to go,' literally describing the action of going into something new.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.

Cognates (Related words)

English: initiateFrench: initier

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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).