Inklingo

How to Say "you start" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you start” is “empiezas” — use 'empiezas' when you are talking to one person informally (using 'tú') about the beginning of something, like a job or an activity..

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empiezas

em-pyeh-zas/emˈpje.θas/

verbA1informal
Use 'empiezas' when you are talking to one person informally (using 'tú') about the beginning of something, like a job or an activity.
A close-up illustration showing a single sneaker stepping across a bright white starting line onto a dusty, winding path, symbolizing the beginning of a journey or action.

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.

abres

/AH-bres//ˈaβɾes/

verbA1informal
Use 'abres' when you are talking to one person informally (using 'tú') and the 'start' refers to opening something physically, like a door or window, or metaphorically, like a business or conversation.
A person's hands lifting the lid of a brightly colored gift box to see what is inside.

Examples

¿Por qué no abres la ventana?

Why don't you open the window?

Siempre abres la tienda a las ocho.

You always open the shop at eight.

Si abres tu corazón, serás más feliz.

If you open your heart, you will be happier.

Who is 'abres'?

This word is the 'tú' form, used when you are talking directly to one friend, family member, or someone your age.

Present Tense Pattern

Even though the basic verb ends in -ir (abrir), this specific form ends in -es for the 'you' form in the present.

Don't add an 's' to the command

comienzan

koh-mee-EHN-sahn/koˈmjensan/

verbA1formal
Use 'comienzan' when addressing multiple people formally (using 'ustedes') or when referring to multiple subjects that are starting something, like events or processes.
Three cartoon runners standing at a brightly colored starting line, poised to sprint forward, indicating the initiation of an activity.

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/

verbB1subjunctive
Use 'empieces' (subjunctive mood) when expressing a wish, hope, doubt, or giving a command to one person informally (using 'tú') about starting something.
A simple illustration of a stylized figure pushing open a large, brightly colored red wooden door, symbolizing the beginning of a task or journey.

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.)

Choosing Between 'Empiezas' and 'Abres'

The most common confusion is between 'empiezas' and 'abres' when 'start' means to begin an activity. Remember that 'empiezas' is specifically for beginning an action or process, while 'abres' is for opening something physical or metaphorical, like a business or a conversation.

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