principio
/prin-SEE-pee-oh/
beginning
As a noun, principio means 'beginning' or 'start', visualized here by the clear starting point of a path.
principio(Noun)
beginning
?The start point of something in time or space
start
?Synonym for beginning
📝 In Action
Al principio de la película, el héroe es un niño.
A2At the beginning of the movie, the hero is a child.
Desde el principio supe que era una mala idea.
B1From the start I knew it was a bad idea.
Tenemos que volver al principio para encontrar el error.
B1We have to go back to the beginning to find the mistake.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Principiante'
Mistake: "Al principiante de la clase, estaba nervioso."
Correction: Al principio de la clase, estaba nervioso. 'Principio' is the start of something, while 'principiante' is a person who is a beginner.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Super-Useful Phrase: 'Al principio'
The phrase 'al principio' (at the beginning) is incredibly common. You can use it to start a story or contrast how things were then versus now. For example: 'Al principio, no me gustaba el café, pero ahora me encanta.'
When referring to a fundamental rule or belief, principio means 'principle', like an unmoving pillar.
principio(Noun)
principle
?A fundamental belief or rule
rule
?A basic guideline or law
,value
?A moral belief
📝 In Action
Es una mujer de principios firmes.
B2She is a woman of firm principles.
No lo haré, va en contra de mis principios.
B1I won't do it, it goes against my principles.
El principio de la gravedad explica por qué las cosas caen.
B2The principle of gravity explains why things fall.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'En principio'
The phrase 'en principio' is great for saying something is true theoretically, but might change. 'En principio, la reunión es el martes.' (In principle, the meeting is on Tuesday.) This hints that the day could still change.
The verb form principio (I begin) describes the action of starting, like the moment a writer initiates a formal letter.
principio(Verb)
I begin
?The action of starting something (formal)
I start
?Synonym for 'I begin' (formal)
📝 In Action
Principio esta carta con mis más cordiales saludos.
C1I begin this letter with my warmest greetings.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Empiezo' Instead
While it's good to recognize this word, you should almost always use 'empiezo' (from 'empezar') or 'comienzo' (from 'comenzar') in your own conversations. They sound much more natural.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: principio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'principio' to mean a moral rule or belief?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'principio', 'comienzo', and 'inicio'?
They all mean 'beginning' and are often interchangeable. 'Principio' and 'comienzo' are the most common in everyday speech. 'Inicio' can sometimes feel a bit more formal or technical, like the 'start' button on a computer ('inicio') or the start of a formal event. But for most situations, you can use any of them!
How do I know if 'principio' means 'beginning' or 'principle'?
Context is key! If it's talking about time or the order of things (like 'at the start of the book'), it means 'beginning'. If it's talking about ideas, morals, or rules (like 'my personal principles'), it means 'principle'. Also, 'principle' is often used in the plural ('principios'), while 'beginning' is usually singular.