How to Say "to initiate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to initiate” is “iniciar” — use this word for the general act of starting formal procedures or beginning an event or process.
iniciar
ee-nee-SYARi.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.)
comenzar
koh-men-SARko.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.
entablar
en-tab-LARen.ta.'βlaɾ
Examples
El sindicato decidió entablar una demanda contra el gobierno.
The union decided to initiate a lawsuit against the government.
Han entablado acciones legales para recuperar el dinero.
They have brought legal action to recover the money.
Es el momento de entablar un juicio por daños y perjuicios.
It is time to initiate a trial for damages.
Legal Specificity
When used in law, this word specifically means setting the official wheels in motion. It's more precise than simply saying 'starting a case'.
instar
een-STARinsˈtaɾ
Examples
El demandante instó la nulidad del juicio.
The plaintiff requested the annulment of the trial.
Es necesario instar el procedimiento legal.
It is necessary to initiate the legal procedure.
Direct Object in Legal Context
In legal contexts, you often 'instar' a thing (like a lawsuit or an annulment) directly without the word 'a'.
General vs. Legal Contexts
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.