empezó
/empeθo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'began' is translated as empezó.
empezó is used to describe a completed action in the past when something started to happen.
Which one should you use?
The word comenzó is a direct synonym for empezó and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
empezó is the third-person singular preterite form of the infinitive empezar. When empezó is followed by another verb, it is almost always followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/empeθo/
Did you know?
- The word empezó shares a linguistic root with the word pieza, as it originally referred to the act of putting the first 'piece' or part of something in place.
- In some Latin American regions, you might hear people use the word emprender to describe the 'beginning' of a formal journey or a business venture, rather than just a simple action.
- While empezó and comenzó are synonyms, empezar is more common in daily speech, while comenzar is often reserved for formal writing or solemn events like the start of a ceremony.
Examples in context
- Él empezó a sudar.He began to sweat.This sentence is useful for showing how to use empezó with the verb 'sudar'.Tatoeba #1690754 by marcelostockle, translation #1690473 by Spamster
- Él empezó a correr.He began running.This sentence is useful for showing how to use empezó with the verb 'correr'.Tatoeba #637478 by clerval, translation #300897 by CK
- Él empezó a gritar.He began to shout.This sentence is useful for showing how to use empezó with the verb 'gritar'.Tatoeba #731692 by Shishir, translation #295293 by CK
- El espectáculo comenzó a las 8 de la noche.The show began at 8 p.m.
- El profesor inició la clase con una breve introducción.The teacher began the class with a brief introduction.
- El director de la compañía emprendió un nuevo proyecto.The company's director began a new project.
- Cuando llegué a casa, la fiesta ya había empezado.When I arrived home, the party had already begun.
- La película arrancó con una emocionante escena de acción.The movie began with an exciting action scene.
- El proyecto se puso en marcha el mes pasado.The project began last month.
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a movie.
- SofíaLa película empezó tarde.The movie began late.
- JavierSí, yo llegué tarde también.Yes, I arrived late too.
- Sofía¿A qué hora empezó?What time did it begin?
- JavierEmpezó a las ocho.It began at eight.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
