comienzo
/koˈmjenθo/masculine
The English phrase 'beginning' can be translated into Spanish using several words, primarily comienzo. Wiktionary also lists comenzamiento and principio.
Meaning: initial portion of some extended thing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| comienzo | /koˈmjenθo/ /koˈmjenso/ |
masculine |
| comenzamiento | /komenθamjento/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /komensamjento/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| principio | /pɾinˈθipjo/ /pɾinˈsipjo/ |
masculine |
| inicio | /iˈniθjo/ /iˈnisjo/ |
masculine |
| empiece | /emˈpjeθe/ /emˈpjese/ |
masculine |
| empiezo | /emˈpjeθo/ /emˈpjeso/ |
masculine |
| empezamiento | /empeθamjento/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /empesamjento/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The term refers to the initial portion of some extended thing.
Which one should you use?
While these terms overlap, they have specific nuances. comienzo refers to the start of a process or event. principio can also mean a fundamental rule or principle. inicio is often used for the formal or technical start of a process, such as the inicio de sesión (login) in computing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Be careful not to confuse nouns with conjugated verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈmjenθo/
Did you know?
- The word principio is linked to the Latin 'princeps', meaning 'first' or 'chief', which is also the origin of the English word 'prince'.
- Although comienzo and principio are synonyms, principio is more common when referring to the dawn of time or the origin of the universe.
- In the digital age, inicio has become the standard term for 'home' or 'login' on websites and apps across the Spanish-speaking world.
Examples in context
- Solo era el comienzo.It was just the beginning.This sentence is useful for practicing the noun comienzo.Tatoeba #1598405 by marcelostockle, translation #1598350 by Spamster
- Sólo es el principio.It's only the beginning.This sentence is useful for practicing the noun principio.Tatoeba #6815985 by arh, translation #6815642 by CK
- Fue el comienzo de todo.That was the beginning of everything.Tatoeba #4553870 by swyter, translation #4544114 by Jesse
- El inicio del evento será a las 8 de la mañana.The beginning of the event will be at 8 in the morning.
- Al comienzo de su discurso, el presidente hizo algunas reflexiones.At the beginning of his speech, the president made some reflections.
- Nos vemos allí al principio de la fiesta.We'll meet there at the start of the party.
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a new book.
- ElenaEl comienzo de la novela es muy lento.The beginning of the novel is very slow.
- MateoEs verdad, pero luego se pone interesante.It's true, but then it gets interesting.
- Elena¿Te gusta el personaje principal?Do you like the main character?
- MateoSí, me gusta mucho.Yes, I like him a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beginning” translations and entries comienzo, comenzamiento, principio, inicio, empiece, empiezo, empezamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comienzo, inicio, principio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
