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How to Say "i begin" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empiezo

em-PYEH-so/emˈpjeso/

VerbA1Informal/Neutral
Use 'empiezo' for everyday actions and the initiation of a process, like starting a diet, a project, or a new habit.
A small, cheerful figure is standing at a clearly marked starting line on a colorful path, lifting one foot to take the very first step forward, signifying the start of an action.

Examples

Empiezo a estudiar para el examen la próxima semana.

I start studying for the exam next week.

Empiezo mi dieta mañana.

I start my diet tomorrow.

Siempre empiezo el trabajo revisando mis correos.

I always begin work by checking my emails.

Si no empiezo a estudiar ahora, no terminaré a tiempo.

If I don't start studying now, I won't finish on time.

The E→IE Shoe Verb

In the present tense, the letter 'e' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ie' for all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. Think of it like a shoe shape in the conjugation chart!

Starting an Action

To say you are starting to do something, use the structure: 'empiezo a' + the action verb (in its base form). Example: 'Empiezo a correr' (I start running).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo empezo.”

Correction: Yo empiezo. Remember that 'e' turns into 'ie' when you use the 'yo' form in the present tense.

inicio

ee-NEE-seeoh/iˈnisjo/

VerbB1Neutral/Formal
Use 'inicio' when you are the one formally starting or launching something, such as a session, a meeting, or an event.
A simple, cheerful cartoon character with a backpack taking the very first step onto a bright, empty path that stretches into the distance.

Examples

Yo inicio la transmisión en vivo ahora mismo.

I start the live broadcast right now.

Yo inicio la sesión tan pronto como tengo la contraseña.

I start the session as soon as I have the password.

Normalmente inicio mi mañana con ejercicios.

I normally start my morning with exercise.

¿Qué hago? ¿Inicio el proceso ahora?

What should I do? Should I initiate the process now?

The 'I' Form

The word 'inicio' is only the 'I' (yo) form in the present tense. To talk about 'you start' or 'we start,' you must use the other forms of the verb 'iniciar'.

Misplacing the accent in the Preterite

Mistake: “Yo inicié vs. Él inicia.”

Correction: The accent is crucial in the past tense 'yo' form: 'Yo inicié' (I started). Without it, it looks like the present tense.

principio

/prin-SEE-pee-oh//pɾinˈθi.pjo/

VerbC1Formal
Use 'principio' in very formal contexts to signify the act of commencing something, often used in writing or official statements.
A person's hand holding a feather quill poised just above a blank scroll, ready to write the very first word.

Examples

Principio este discurso con una anécdota personal.

I begin this speech with a personal anecdote.

Principio esta carta con mis más cordiales saludos.

I begin this letter with my warmest greetings.

Choosing Between 'Empiezo' and 'Inicio'

Learners often confuse 'empiezo' and 'inicio'. Remember that 'empiezo' is for general starting, while 'inicio' is more for the act of launching or initiating something specific, often in a more official capacity. Using 'empiezo' for starting a formal session might sound too casual.

Related Translations

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