empieza
/empjeθa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'starts' translates to the Spanish word empieza.
Which one should you use?
While empieza and comienza are often interchangeable, comienza can sometimes feel slightly more formal or literary.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the colloquial term Arranca is frequently used to express 'starts' in informal settings, similar to saying 'kicks off' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/empjeθa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When saying 'starts to [verb]', include the preposition 'a' after empieza, such as in empieza a llover (starts to rain).
Did you know?
- When a sport match 'starts', commentators often use está en marcha, which literally means 'it is on the march'.
- The phrase arrancar con el pie derecho means to start something on the right foot, but if you use pie izquierdo, it implies a disastrous start.
- Spanish uses the phrase dar comienzo to mean 'to start' in official ceremonies, which literally translates to 'to give beginning'.
Examples in context
- El futuro empieza ahora.The future starts now.Tatoeba #9110991 by Shishir, translation #10573583 by DJ_Saidez
- Todo empieza desde la base.Everything starts from a basis.Tatoeba #1684419 by marcelostockle, translation #1665375 by Amastan
- La clase empieza a las diez.The class starts at ten.Tatoeba #1656008 by marcelostockle, translation #1448324 by CK
- La reunión comienza a las 9 en punto.The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.
- El evento cultural comienza mañana.The cultural event starts tomorrow.
- La conferencia inicia en 30 minutos.The conference starts in 30 minutes.
- El proyecto de construcción inicia la próxima semana.The construction project starts next week.
- La película empieza en 10 minutos.The movie starts in 10 minutes.
- El partido de fútbol empieza esta tarde.The soccer game starts this afternoon.
- La fiesta arranca a las 9 de la noche.The party kicks off at 9 p.m.
- ¡La carrera arranca en cinco minutos!The race starts in five minutes!
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are waiting outside a cinema.
- María¿A qué hora empieza la película, Javier?What time does the movie start, Javier?
- JavierEmpieza en diez minutos.It starts in ten minutes.
- MaríaEntonces tenemos tiempo para comprar palomitas.Then we have time to buy popcorn.
- JavierSí, vamos ahora.Yes, let's go now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
