How to Say "commences" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “commences” is “empieza” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
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.
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