empezó
/empeθo/from spelling rules
The English word "started" is translated into Spanish as empezó.
empezó is the past tense of a verb used to express that an action or event began.
Which one should you use?
empezó is the third-person singular preterite form, which translates to "he/she/it started" or the formal "you started". In contrast, if you want to say "I started", you should use empecé. You may also use comenzó as a synonym for empezó, as they are interchangeable in most contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use empezó followed by another verb, you must include the preposition a before the infinitive (e.g., empezó a…).
How do you pronounce it?
/empeθo/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the phrase empezar a hablar por los codos is used to describe someone who has started talking incessantly, literally 'starting to speak through their elbows'.
- If you want to say someone 'started' a fight in a colloquial way, you might hear the verb armar, as in armó una pelea. While it literally means 'to assemble' or 'to arm', it is a very common way to describe the sudden beginning of a conflict.
- The expression dar el pistoletazo de salida is used to describe the moment someone 'started' a race or a major event. It literally translates to 'giving the starting pistol shot', and it is used metaphorically for almost any significant beginning.
Examples in context
- Tom empezó a leer.Tom started reading.This sentence shows how to use empezó with a following verb.Tatoeba #4505732 by cueyayotl, translation #2238706 by CK
- Él empezó a cantar.He started singing.This sentence demonstrates the use of empezó with a following verb.Tatoeba #1331737 by Shishir, translation #294487 by CK
- Todo empezó con él.It all started with him.This sentence shows how to use empezó to describe how an event began.Tatoeba #13465813 by Seael, translation #10982536 by sundown
- El proyecto ha comenzado con éxito.The project has started successfully.
- Vamos a iniciar el programa con una breve introducción.We are going to start the program with a short introduction.
- El profesor inició la clase explicando los objetivos del curso.The teacher started the class by explaining the course objectives.
- Debemos empezar la reunión puntualmente.We must start the meeting on time.
- El nuevo empleado empezará mañana.The new employee will start tomorrow.
- ¡Vamos a arrancar la fiesta!Let's get the party started!
- El equipo arrancó con mucha energía.The team kicked off with a lot of energy.
- Comenzaron a salir cuando eran adolescentes.They started dating when they were teenagers.
- Vamos a comenzar a ver la nueva serie.Let's start watching the new series.
- Hemos echado a andar el proyecto de investigación.We have started the research project.
- Es hora de echar a andar ese negocio que siempre soñaste.It's time to start that business you always dreamed of.
- 183 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about a movie they saw.
- Daniel¿A qué hora empezó la película?What time did the movie start?
- ElenaLa película empezó hace diez minutos.The movie started ten minutes ago.
- DanielEntonces, nos hemos perdido el inicio.Then, we have missed the beginning.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Daniel, todavía podemos verla.Don't worry, Daniel, we can still watch it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
