empiézalo
/empjeθalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "start it" is translated into Spanish as empiézalo.
This phrase is used when you want someone to begin a specific task or activity. In some Latin American countries, the verb arrancar can be used informally to mean 'to start' or 'to initiate'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say 'start' as a command without the object 'it', you use the form empieza.
How do you pronounce it?
/empjeθalo/
Did you know?
- While empiézalo is a standard command, the word arrancar literally means 'to pull up by the roots'. This creates a vivid image of a plant being ripped from the ground to describe the sudden start of an engine or a project.
- In certain Caribbean contexts, you might hear someone say dale to mean 'start it' or 'go for it', using the verb 'to give' to command the initiation of an action.
- In a professional setting, using the imperative empiézalo can sound overly blunt. To soften the command, speakers often add por favor or change the phrasing to ¿podrías empezarlo?, which translates to 'could you start it?'
Examples in context
- Espero que comiencen la reunión puntualmente.I hope you start the meeting on time.
- Arranca tu coche y vamos al cine.Start your car and let's go to the movies.
- El proyecto es difícil, pero empiézalo pronto.The project is difficult, but start it soon.
- El dibujo es pequeño, empiézalo en este papel.The drawing is small, start it on this paper.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a new work project.
- Mateo¿Debo preparar el nuevo plan de trabajo?Should I prepare the new work plan?
- LucíaSí, empiézalo ahora mismo, Mateo.Yes, start it right now, Mateo.
- MateoEstá bien, me pondré con ello.Okay, I will get to work on it.
- LucíaGracias, Lucía te ayudará con los datos.Thanks, Lucía will help you with the data.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
