iniciar
“iniciar” means “to start” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to start, to begin
Also: to launch, to initiate
📝 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.
to be initiated, to take up
Also: to start (by itself)
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: iniciar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'iniciar' in its pronominal form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 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)
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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).