How to Say "they start" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “they start” is “empiezan” — use 'empiezan' when referring to a group of people or things that are initiating an action or event, especially for common, everyday occurrences.
Use 'empiezan' when referring to a group of people or things that are initiating an action or event, especially for common, everyday occurrences.
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Use 'comienzan' when referring to the initiation of an event or activity, often implying a more formal or structured beginning.
Learn more →em-pee-EH-sanemˈpieθan
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.
koh-mee-EHN-sahnkoˈmjensan
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'.
Comienzan vs. Empiezan
Learners often struggle to choose between 'comienzan' and 'empiezan'. While both mean 'they start', 'empiezan' is generally more common for everyday activities and groups of things, whereas 'comienzan' can sound slightly more formal or specific to event beginnings.
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