Inklingo

How to Say "may start" in Spanish

The Spanish word formay startis comienceA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
Verb formA2
expressing possibility or permission
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.

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.)

Related Translations

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