How to Say "to begin" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to begin” is “comenzar” — use 'comenzar' for the general act of starting something, like an activity, a journey, or a personal goal..
comenzar
koh-men-SAR/ko.menˈsaɾ/
Examples
Comenzamos la película después de cenar.
We begin the movie after dinner.
Comienzo mi dieta el lunes.
I start my diet on Monday.
¿A qué hora comienza la película?
What time does the movie start?
Ellos comenzaron a estudiar después de la cena.
They began to study after dinner.
The E > IE Stem Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'comenzar' changes to 'ie' (comienzo, comienzas) except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, which remain comenzamos.
Starting an Action
When you use 'comenzar' to say you are starting another action, you must connect the two verbs using the little word 'a': 'Comenzar a + verb' (e.g., Comienzo a correr).
Forgetting the 'A' Connector
Mistake: “Comienzo estudiar ahora.”
Correction: Comienzo **a** estudiar ahora. (Always use 'a' before the next verb.)
Past Tense Spelling Trick
Mistake: “Yo comenzé (pronounced 'ko-men-SEH').”
Correction: Yo com**e**ncé. (The 'z' changes to a 'c' in the 'yo' form of the past tense to keep the sound correct.)
empezar
/em-peh-SAR//em.peˈsaɾ/
Examples
El concierto empieza a las ocho.
The concert starts at eight.
La clase empieza a las nueve.
The class starts at nine.
¿A qué hora empieza la película?
What time does the movie start?
Empecé un nuevo trabajo la semana pasada.
I started a new job last week.
The 'e' to 'ie' Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in 'empezar' changes to 'ie' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Notice how 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' keep the original 'e'. Think of it as a 'boot verb' because the forms that change make a boot shape in the conjugation chart!
The 'z' to 'c' Spelling Rule
To keep the right sound, the letter 'z' changes to 'c' before an 'e'. You'll see this in the 'yo' form of the preterite past tense ('empecé') and all forms of the present subjunctive ('empiece', 'empieces', etc.).
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “Yo *empezo* la tarea.”
Correction: Yo *empiezo* la tarea. Don't forget that the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the present tense for most forms.
iniciar
ee-nee-SYAR/i.niˈsjar/
Examples
Vamos a iniciar el debate con una pregunta.
We are going to start the debate with a question.
Necesitamos iniciar la reunión a las diez en punto.
We need to start the meeting exactly at ten o'clock.
El presidente inició una nueva investigación sobre el caso.
The president began a new investigation into the case.
Transitive Use
When you use 'iniciar' in this way, it always needs to 'start' something directly. For example, 'iniciar el coche' (start the car).
Confusing Start/Begin
Mistake: “La clase inicia a las tres.”
Correction: La clase empieza a las tres. ('Empezar' or 'comenzar' are usually better when the subject starts by itself, like a class or a movie.)
entrar
/en-TRAR//enˈtɾaɾ/
Examples
Ella entra en un nuevo equipo de trabajo.
She starts a new work team.
Mi hijo entra en la universidad el próximo año.
My son starts university next year.
Entré a trabajar aquí hace dos meses.
I started working here two months ago.
El equipo entró en la competición con mucha energía.
The team entered the competition with a lot of energy.
nacer
nah-SEHR/naˈθeɾ/
Examples
La idea para el libro nació durante un viaje.
The idea for the book was born during a trip.
La idea de la aplicación nació en una cafetería.
The idea for the app was born in a coffee shop.
Una nueva esperanza nació después de la victoria.
A new hope arose after the victory.
Impersonal Subject
In this figurative sense, the 'subject' doing the 'nacer' is usually an inanimate thing (like an idea or a movement), not a person. The verb agrees with that thing.
Choosing Between 'Comenzar' and 'Empezar'
Related Translations
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