How to Say "starts" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “starts” is “empieza” — use this for most general situations where something begins or commences, like classes, meetings, or the start of a season..
empieza
em-PYEH-sah/emˈpjesa/
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.
comienza
/koh-mee-EHN-sah//koˈmjenθa/
Examples
El partido de fútbol comienza a las cinco de la tarde.
The soccer game starts at five in the afternoon.
Ella siempre comienza el día con un café fuerte.
She always starts the day with a strong coffee.
¡Comienza tu tarea antes de que sea demasiado tarde!
Start your homework before it's too late!
Stem Change: E to IE
This verb is special! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, like 'comienza,' but not in the 'we' (nosotros) or 'you all' (vosotros) forms.
Indicative vs. Imperative
'Comienza' can be two things: 'He/She/It starts' (stating a fact) or 'Start!' (giving an informal command to 'tú'). Context is key to telling them apart.
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “La película comenza ahora.”
Correction: La película comienza ahora. Remember to change that 'e' to 'ie' to make it sound natural.
Spelling in the Past (Yo form)
Mistake: “Yo comenzé mi dieta el lunes.”
Correction: Yo comencé mi dieta el lunes. The 'z' must change to a 'c' before 'e' to keep the soft 's' sound.
arranca
ah-RRAHN-kah/aˈraŋka/
Examples
El coche no arranca por el frío.
The car won't start because of the cold.
Ella arranca a correr cuando ve el autobús.
She starts running when she sees the bus.
Verb Form Identification
In this context, 'arranca' is the verb form used when the subject is 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'you' (the formal 'usted') in the present tense.
Spelling Change Rule (C-to-QU)
When conjugating 'arrancar,' the 'c' changes to 'qu' whenever it is followed by an 'e,' such as in the special forms used for wishes and commands (subjunctive and preterite 'yo' form).
nace
/NAH-seh//ˈna.se/
Examples
El río nace en las montañas del norte.
The river starts in the northern mountains.
Una nueva flor nace en mi jardín.
A new flower is sprouting in my garden.
Su pasión por la música nace de su abuela.
Her passion for music comes from (originates from) her grandmother.
General events vs. Engines
Related Translations
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