Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| commencer | /kɔ.mɑ̃.se/ |
| entamer | /ɑ̃.ta.me/ |
| débuter | /de.by.te/ |
The verb commencer is a common and universal verb used to mean 'to start' in French. Other verbs like entamer and débuter are used for more specific nuances, such as starting a project or a career.
Which one should you use?
While commencer is the general term for starting, entamer is used when you are starting something by consuming or breaking into it, such as a loaf of bread or a new project. Débuter is often used to describe starting a career or a new professional phase. In Canada, the formal verb enclencher is used to mean 'to start'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using commencer with another verb, you must use the preposition à, as in commencer à travailler (to start to work).
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.mɑ̃.se/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget that commencer requires the preposition à before an infinitive, whereas in English 'start' can be followed directly by an infinitive or a gerund.
Did you know?
- The English word 'butt', as in the end of a cigarette or a tree stump, is a distant linguistic relative of the French verb débuter.
- The verb entamer can be used figuratively for a conversation, as if you are 'breaking' the silence to start the dialogue.
- In Quebec, you will encounter the word enclencher for 'to start'. This term literally evokes the action of engaging a gear or a mechanism.
Examples in context
- Par où commencer ?Where to start?This sentence is useful for asking where to begin with commencer.Tatoeba #8732228 by Julien_PDC, translation #9741167 by traeton
- Quand peux-tu commencer ?When can you start?This sentence is useful for asking when someone can begin with commencer.Tatoeba #1844495 by sacredceltic, translation #1841533 by CK
- Il est temps de commencer.It's time to start.This sentence is useful for stating it is time to begin with commencer.Tatoeba #11669606 by Aiji, translation #5102522 by CK
- Le cours va commencer à 9h.The class will start at 9 am.
- La réunion débutera dans une heure.The meeting will start in an hour.
- Nous allons entamer les négociations demain.We will start the negotiations tomorrow.
- Je vais me mettre à faire du sport.I'm going to start exercising.
- Le film va démarrer dans quelques minutes.The movie will start in a few minutes.
- On part en vacances demain.We're starting our vacation tomorrow.
- Nous allons enclencher le projet dès demain.We will start the project tomorrow.
- Je vais commencer mes devoirs maintenant.I'm going to start my homework now.
- Nous devons débuter la présentation avec un aperçu.We need to start the presentation with an overview.
- J'ai décidé de me mettre à apprendre le piano.I've decided to start learning the piano.
- Demain, on démarre un nouveau projet au travail.Tomorrow, we're starting a new project at work.
- Je vais entamer une formation en ligne prochainement.I'm going to start an online course soon.
- 245 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are at a cafe preparing to study.
- LucasTu es prête à commencer ?Are you ready to start?
- ChloéOui, je peux commencer tout de suite.Yes, I can start right away.
- LucasD'accord, commençons par la première page.Okay, let's start with the first page.
- ChloéC'est une bonne idée, Lucas.That is a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “start” translations and entries commencer, entamer, débuter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries commencer, débuter, entamer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
