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How to Say "let's start" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empecemos

em-peh-SEH-mos/empeˈsemos/

VerbA1General
Use this when suggesting or commanding to begin an activity, especially when time is a factor.
A simplified illustration showing two friendly, stylized figures stepping together across a bright white line onto a vibrant green path, symbolizing the beginning of an action.

Examples

¡Ya es tarde! Empecemos la reunión.

It's already late! Let's start the meeting.

Empecemos por el primer capítulo.

Let's begin with the first chapter.

No empecemos a discutir sobre eso otra vez.

Let's not start arguing about that again.

The 'Let's' Form

In Spanish, to say 'Let's [do something],' you use the 'nosotros' form of the special verb mood (called the present subjunctive). 'Empecemos' is exactly that—a way to propose an action to your group.

Spelling Change Rule

The infinitive is 'empezar.' When conjugating verbs that end in -zar before an 'e' (like in 'empecemos'), the 'z' changes to a 'c' to keep the correct 's' sound.

Confusing 'Let's Start' with 'We Start'

Mistake: “Using 'Empezamos' (We start) when you mean 'Empecemos' (Let's start).”

Correction: 'Empezamos' is a statement of fact (We start/We started). 'Empecemos' is a suggestion or command (Let's start!).

comencemos

koh-mehn-SEH-mohs/ko.menˈse.mos/

VerbA2General
Use this to propose a collective action or the beginning of something, often in a slightly more formal or deliberate way than 'empecemos'.
A dramatic, colorful red stage curtain being pulled fully open by a hand wearing a white glove, revealing a bright, empty stage, symbolizing the commencement of an activity.

Examples

Ya tenemos todo listo. ¡Comencemos la reunión!

We already have everything ready. Let's start the meeting!

Si todos están de acuerdo, comencemos a trabajar en el proyecto ahora.

If everyone agrees, let's begin working on the project now.

No quiero que comencemos sin el profesor.

I don't want us to start without the teacher.

The 'Let's' Command

In Spanish, the way you say 'Let's [do something]' is usually by using the 'nosotros' form of a special verb mood (called the present subjunctive). 'Comencemos' is this exact form for 'comenzar'.

Spelling Rule (Z to C)

The base verb is 'comenZar.' When the 'Z' comes before the letter 'E' (like in 'comencemos'), Spanish rules require the 'Z' to change to a 'C' to keep the same sound. This happens only in certain forms.

Mixing up the 'Let's' form

Mistake: “Using the indicative form for a command: 'Comenzamos ahora.'”

Correction: The correct command is 'Comencemos ahora.' The form 'comenzamos' just means 'We are starting' (a statement), not 'Let's start' (a suggestion).

comenzamos

/koh-men-THAH-mohs//ko.menˈθa.mos/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1Informal
This is the first-person plural present indicative of 'comenzar', used informally as an enthusiastic invitation or suggestion to begin an activity.
Three cheerful characters, side-by-side, stepping over a white starting line onto a bright green path, symbolizing the beginning of a journey.

Examples

¡La película es a las ocho! ¿Comenzamos a caminar?

The movie is at eight! Shall we start walking?

Cada mañana, comenzamos el día con un café fuerte.

Every morning, we start the day with a strong coffee.

Ahora que todos están aquí, comenzamos la presentación.

Now that everyone is here, we are starting the presentation.

It's the 'We' Form

'Comenzamos' is the action done by 'nosotros' (we). It means 'we start' or 'we begin' right now or as a habit.

No Vowel Change Here

Even though the base verb 'comenzar' usually changes 'e' to 'ie' (like 'yo comienzo'), the 'nosotros' (we) form is regular and keeps the original 'e': 'comenzamos'.

Mixing up 'We Start' tenses

Mistake: “Using 'comenzamos' when talking about the future, e.g., 'Mañana comenzamos la dieta.'”

Correction: 'Comenzamos' is perfectly fine to use for near future plans in Spanish, even though it's technically the present tense. It works just like English: 'Tomorrow, we start the diet.'

pongamos

pohn-GAH-mohs/poŋˈɡamos/

VerbA2General
Use this specifically when suggesting to 'set' or 'put' something in place, like a table or a plan, before starting an activity.
A storybook illustration showing two children cooperating to place a bright red apple into a small wooden box, illustrating the action of 'let's put.'

Examples

Pongamos la mesa antes de que lleguen los invitados.

Let's set the table before the guests arrive.

Es crucial que pongamos atención a los detalles.

It is crucial that we pay attention to the details.

No pongamos excusas y terminemos el trabajo.

Let's not make excuses and let's finish the work.

The 'Let's' Form

In Spanish, the 'nosotros' (we) form of the affirmative command ('Let's...') is identical to the present subjunctive form. So, 'Pongamos' means 'Let's put/place.'

Subjunctive Trigger

When used after expressions of necessity, desire, or influence (like 'queremos que' or 'es importante que'), 'pongamos' is the required verb form for 'we put/place.'

Using the Indicative for Commands

Mistake: “Usar 'ponemos' para decir 'Let's put.'”

Correction: Always use 'pongamos' (the subjunctive form) for 'Let's...' commands and suggestions. 'Ponemos' just means 'We put' (a fact).

Choosing Between 'Empecemos' and 'Comencemos'

The most common confusion is between 'empecemos' and 'comencemos', as both mean 'let's start'. Generally, 'empecemos' is slightly more direct and common for everyday suggestions, while 'comencemos' can sound a bit more formal or deliberate, though they are often interchangeable in many contexts.

Related Translations

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