début
/de.by/masculine
The English word "beginning" is début in French.
début refers to the initial portion of an extended thing. For a related verb, you can use débuter, which means to start something or to make one's professional debut.
Meaning: initial portion of some extended thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
début is the common word used for the start of a process, a movie or a story. In contrast, commencement is a more formal or administrative term often reserved for the start of a period or more solemn, official starts.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.by/
Did you know?
- The English word 'debut' is a direct loan from the French début. While in English it almost always refers to a first public appearance, in French it is the general word for any 'beginning'.
- The word début comes from the Middle French verb desbuter, which originally meant 'to move' or 'to push' something to get it started.
- In the world of classical music, a musician's first professional appearances are called débuts. This is why English speakers use the word 'debutante' to describe a young woman's formal introduction to society.
Examples in context
- C'est que le début.It's only just the beginning.This sentence demonstrates the use of début to indicate that something is just starting.Tatoeba #8103443 by Zelphy, translation #3377177 by CK
- Le début est facile.The beginning is easy.This sentence uses début to describe the ease of a starting phase.Tatoeba #10498262 by pkill, translation #13223434 by rul
- Le début ou la fin ?The beginning or the end?This sentence contrasts début with the end of something.Tatoeba #12419529 by sacredceltic, translation #12419538 by sacredceltic
- Au commencement de cette conférence, nous allons aborder un sujet important.At the beginning of this conference, we will address an important topic.
- Le début de cette étude met en évidence les principaux objectifs de notre recherche.The beginning of this study highlights the main objectives of our research.
- L'initiation de ce projet prometteur marque un tournant décisif dans notre entreprise.The initiation of this promising project marks a decisive turning point in our company.
- J'ai rencontré Pierre au commencement de mes études universitaires.I met Pierre at the beginning of my university studies.
- Les débutants en cuisine peuvent commencer par des recettes simples.Beginners in cooking can start with simple recipes.
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about a movie they just started.
- GabrielJ'adore le début de ce film.I love the beginning of this movie.
- ChloéMoi aussi, c'est très prenant.Me too, it's very gripping.
- GabrielLe début pose bien l'ambiance.The beginning sets the mood well.
- ChloéOui, Gabriel, c'est vraiment réussi.Yes, Gabriel, it's really successful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beginning” translations and entries début, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries début, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
