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How to Say "they begin" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empiezan

em-pee-EH-san/emˈpieθan/

VerbA1general
Use 'empiezan' when referring to a group of people or things that are starting an activity or event.
A high quality storybook illustration showing three cartoon animals, a fox, a bear, and a rabbit, standing side-by-side at a bright red starting line on a green field, all taking their first step forward simultaneously.

Examples

Los conciertos siempre empiezan muy tarde aquí.

The concerts always start very late here.

Ellas empiezan a estudiar para el examen hoy.

They are starting to study for the exam today.

Si ustedes no empiezan ahora, no terminaremos a tiempo.

If you all don't start now, we won't finish on time.

The Stem Change Rule

The verb empezar is irregular! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most forms of the present tense (like 'empiezan'). The only people who avoid this change are 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' (e.g., empezamos).

Starting an Action

To say that someone starts doing something, you must use the small word 'a' right after empiezan: 'Empiezan a correr' (They start to run).

Missing the Stem Change

Mistake: “Ellos *empezan* la tarea.”

Correction: Ellos *empiezan* la tarea. Remember the 'e' needs to become 'ie' in the present tense for 'they/you all'.

Confusing Endings

Mistake: “Ustedes *empiezas*.”

Correction: Ustedes *empiezan*. The 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' form always ends in -an for this type of verb.

comienzan

koh-mee-EHN-sahn/koˈmjensan/

VerbA1general
Use 'comienzan' when referring to the initiation of an activity, process, or event, often in a more formal or structured context.
Three cartoon runners standing at a brightly colored starting line, poised to sprint forward, indicating the initiation of an activity.

Examples

Los partidos de fútbol comienzan a las siete de la noche.

The soccer games start at seven in the evening.

Ellos comienzan un nuevo proyecto la próxima semana.

They are starting a new project next week.

Ustedes siempre comienzan el trabajo con mucha energía.

You (plural formal) always begin the work with a lot of energy.

Stem Change Alert

The verb 'comenzar' is irregular. When you use 'yo,' 'tú,' 'él/ella/usted,' or 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' in the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ie' (e.g., comienzan). The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms stay regular (comenzamos).

When to use 'a'

If you want to say 'to start DOING something,' you must put the word 'a' before the next verb: 'Comienzan a hablar' (They start to talk).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Comenzan (missing the 'i')”

Correction: Comienzan. Remember the 'e' becomes 'ie' in most present tense forms, including this one.

Using the Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “Comienzan con hablar”

Correction: Comienzan a hablar. When linking 'comenzar' to an activity, use the preposition 'a'.

Using 'comienzan' for people

Learners often mistakenly use 'comienzan' when referring to people beginning an activity. Remember that 'empiezan' is more commonly used for groups of people or things starting something, while 'comienzan' leans towards the start of an event itself.

Related Translations

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