How to Say "to initiate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to initiate” is “comenzar” — use 'comenzar' when referring to the start of a process, an event, or an investigation, especially in a more general or ongoing sense..
comenzar
koh-men-SAR/ko.menˈsaɾ/
Examples
La construcción comenzará en el verano.
The construction will commence in the summer.
Su nueva etapa profesional comenzó con un cambio de ciudad.
His new professional phase started with a change of city.
El debate tiene que comenzar con un resumen de las reglas.
The debate must begin with a summary of the rules.
Starting Impersonally
When talking about time or weather, the subject is often the event itself (e.g., 'La lluvia comienza'), making it easy to use the 'él/ella' form.
iniciar
ee-nee-SYAR/i.niˈsjar/
Examples
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.)
Choosing Between 'Comenzar' and 'Iniciar'
Related Translations
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