Inklingo

How to Say "begin" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “begin” is “empieza” — use 'empieza' for the present indicative third-person singular form, often used in simple statements of fact about when something starts..

English → Spanish

empieza

em-PYEH-sah/emˈpjesa/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'empieza' for the present indicative third-person singular form, often used in simple statements of fact about when something starts.
A cartoon rabbit runner taking the first step past a white starting line on a bright green track, symbolizing the beginning of an action.

Examples

La clase de español siempre empieza a las diez.

The Spanish class always starts at ten o'clock.

Mi hermana empieza la universidad este año.

My sister begins university this year.

¡Tú, empieza a leer en voz alta ahora mismo!

You, start reading out loud right now!

Stem-Changing Verb

In many forms, the 'e' in the middle of 'empezar' changes to 'ie'. This happens when the stress falls on the stem, which is why 'nosotros' (empezamos) doesn't change.

Using 'A' before actions

When you want to say someone starts DOING something, you must put the word 'a' between the conjugated verb and the action: 'Empieza a estudiar' (He starts to study).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “La clase 'empEza' a las ocho.”

Correction: La clase 'empIEza' a las ocho. Remember the 'ie' sound when the stress is on the start of the word.

empiece

/em-pyeh-seh//emˈpjese/

VerbB1Neutral
Use 'empiece' when expressing a wish, desire, or doubt about a beginning, employing the present subjunctive mood.
A simplified cartoon figure, depicted in a storybook style, leaping forward from a clearly marked starting line on a green field, symbolizing the beginning of an action or race.

Examples

Quiero que mi hijo empiece la escuela en septiembre.

I want my son to start school in September.

¡Empiece usted el discurso ahora, por favor!

Please, start the speech now!

Dudo que ella empiece a trabajar tan pronto.

I doubt that she starts working so soon.

The Subjunctive Mood

This form ('empiece') is part of the special verb set (the Subjunctive) used when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, or when commanding someone formally (usted).

Formal Commands

When you give a formal instruction to 'usted' (the polite 'you'), you use 'empiece' for starting an action: '¡Empiece a leer!' (Start reading!).

Stem Change E → IE

The base verb 'empezar' changes the 'e' in its stem to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including 'empiece'. Remember this vowel shift!

Missing the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using *empece* instead of *empiece*.”

Correction: The correct form is *empiece*. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' to keep the sound consistent with the infinitive's structure in these forms.

Confusing Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Mistake: “Saying 'Quiero que él empieza' (using the normal verb form).”

Correction: After verbs like 'querer' (to want), Spanish requires the special form: 'Quiero que él empiece'.

comience

koh-myEHN-seh/koˈmjense/

VerbA2Formal
Use 'comience' for the present subjunctive third-person singular, particularly in formal contexts or when expressing a polite request or necessity for something to start.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing a simplistic character taking the very first step across a white starting line on a green field, symbolizing the beginning of an action.

Examples

Por favor, comience la reunión a tiempo.

Please, start the meeting on time.

Por favor, **comience** la reunión a tiempo.

Please, **start** the meeting on time.

Necesito que él **comience** a estudiar para el examen.

I need him to **begin** studying for the exam.

Ojalá que la película no **comience** tarde.

I hope the movie doesn't **start** late.

Stem-Changing Pattern

The base verb comenzar is tricky because the 'e' changes to 'ie' in most present forms, like comience. This helps you remember that the action is starting now.

Spelling Rule (Z to C)

Notice the 'z' changes to a 'c' right before the 'e' in comience. This is a special Spanish spelling rule necessary to keep the 'k' sound consistent.

Subjunctive Triggers

Comience is the special verb form used after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity, especially when the person doing the starting is different from the person speaking (e.g., 'Quiero que usted comience...').

Using the wrong mood

Mistake: “Espero que él comienza.”

Correction: Espero que él **comience**. (Verbs expressing hope or emotion require the special verb form, not the regular present form.)

entren

EN-tren/ˈen.tɾen/

VerbB1Neutral
Use 'entren' (third-person plural of 'entrar') when referring to the act of entering or beginning a new phase, like starting university.
A green flag being waved down next to a white starting line on a dirt track, symbolizing the start of an event.

Examples

Espero que entren en la universidad el próximo año.

I hope they start university next year.

Cuando entren en la edad adulta, entenderán esto.

When they enter adulthood, they will understand this.

Time Expressions

When talking about starting a new time period or phase, 'entrar' works like 'to step into' that time, and often requires the special verb form 'entren' if the beginning is uncertain or desired.

Subjunctive vs. Indicative for 'Start'

The most common confusion is between 'empieza' (indicative) and 'empiece'/'comience' (subjunctive). Remember to use the subjunctive forms ('empiece'/'comience') when expressing wishes, doubts, or commands that aren't direct statements of fact.

Related Translations

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