empezando
/empeθando/from spelling rules
The English phrase starting is translated into Spanish as empezando.
Which one should you use?
comenzando is a synonym for empezando and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
comenzando is often perceived as slightly more formal or literary than empezando.
How does it change in a sentence?
empezando is the gerund form of the infinitive verb empezar. When using empezando to mean 'starting to' do something, it is almost always followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/empeθando/
Did you know?
- To express that something is 'just starting' in a very colloquial way, some speakers use está arrancando, which literally means the object is 'starting up' like a car engine.
- If you are 'empezando' a journey in a car, you might use the verb 'partir', which also means 'to divide' or 'to break' in other contexts.
- Spanish uses the phrase empezar de cero to describe 'starting from scratch', which literally translates to 'starting from zero'.
Examples in context
- Está empezando a llover.It's starting to rain.This sentence is useful for describing a change in weather using empezando.Tatoeba #1309387 by hayastan, translation #3005950 by CK
- Estás empezando a joderme.You're starting to bother me.This sentence is useful for expressing irritation using empezando.Tatoeba #2992023 by hayastan, translation #2955014 by CK
- Está empezando a hacer frío.It's starting to get cold.This sentence is useful for describing a change in temperature using empezando.Tatoeba #1006282 by Shishir, translation #8238573 by josivangoncalves
- Estamos comenzando la reuniónWe are starting the meeting
- Vamos a iniciar la presentaciónWe are going to start the presentation
- Estamos empezando el proyectoWe are starting the project
- Vamos a arrancar la fiestaWe are going to kick off the party
- Estamos comenzando a ver la películaWe are starting to watch the movie
- Estamos empezando a jugarWe are starting to play
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are talking about their new gym routine.
- MaríaEstoy empezando a caminar cada mañana.I am starting to walk every morning.
- Javier¿Te sientes mejor con ese hábito?Do you feel better with that habit?
- MaríaSí, aunque estoy empezando con pasos cortos.Yes, although I am starting with short steps.
- JavierEs la mejor forma de no cansarte.It is the best way to not get tired.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
