How to Say "you begin" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “you begin” is “empiezas” — use 'empiezas' when you are speaking informally to one person (like a friend) and asking or stating when they start something..
empiezas
em-pyeh-zas/emˈpje.θas/
Examples
¿Cuándo empiezas tu nuevo trabajo?
When do you start your new job?
Si empiezas a estudiar ahora, terminarás pronto.
If you start studying now, you will finish soon.
Cada vez que empiezas un proyecto, lo terminas.
Every time you start a project, you finish it.
The E-to-IE Shoe Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'empezar' changes to 'ie' (e.g., empiezas). This change happens everywhere except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros', making it a 'shoe' or 'boot' verb.
Starting an Action
To say 'you start doing something,' you must use the structure: empezar a + [infinitive]. Example: Empiezas a correr (You start to run).
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: “Tú empEzas a trabajar.”
Correction: Tú empIEzas a trabajar. Remember the 'ie' sound is needed when talking about 'tú' (you).
Missing the 'a' before an action
Mistake: “Empiezas estudiar.”
Correction: Empiezas A estudiar. The preposition 'a' is necessary to link 'empezar' to the action you are starting.
comienzan
koh-mee-EHN-sahn/koˈmjensan/
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'.
empieces
/em-pyeh-ses//emˈpjeθes/
Examples
Espero que empieces a estudiar pronto.
I hope that you start studying soon.
No creo que empieces la dieta mañana.
I don't believe you will start the diet tomorrow.
Te pido que empieces el proyecto con cuidado.
I ask that you begin the project carefully.
Subjunctive Mood
This form ('empieces') is used when the verb is governed by a feeling, desire, doubt, or necessity, often following verbs like 'querer' (to want) or expressions like 'es importante que...' (it is important that...).
Stem Change (E→IE)
The vowel 'e' in the middle of the verb stem changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including all forms of the present subjunctive except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Spelling Change (Z→C)
To keep the 's' sound consistent, the 'z' in 'empezar' must change to a 'c' whenever it comes before the letter 'e' (e.g., empiece, empieces, empecemos). This is a required spelling rule.
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: “Espero que empiezas el trabajo.”
Correction: Espero que empieces el trabajo. (The verb 'esperar' triggers the special subjunctive form 'empieces' because you are expressing a wish, not a fact.)
Informal Singular vs. Formal Plural
Related Translations
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