Bonjour! Learning how to say “to start” in French is essential when it comes to expressing oneself fluently in this beautiful language. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this concept, both formally and informally. We’ll also provide you with useful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Start” in French
When you want to express the idea of starting or commencing in a formal context, you can make use of these phrases:
- Commencer – This versatile verb is the most common and general way to say “to start” in French. It can be used in a wide range of situations. For example:
Je vais commencer mes études à l’université. (I am going to start my studies at the university.)
La réunion commencera à dix heures précises. (The meeting will start at ten o’clock sharp.)
- Démarrer – This word is more specific and often used when referring to starting a machine, engine, or vehicle:
Il faut démarrer la voiture. (We need to start the car.)
Le moteur de la machine doit être démarré doucement. (The machine’s engine must be started slowly.)
- Entamer – Although “entamer” primarily means “to begin” or “to initiate,” it can also be used to convey the sense of starting:
Nous allons entamer les négociations. (We are going to start the negotiations.)
Il faut entamer cette tâche le plus tôt possible. (We need to start this task as soon as possible.)
Informal Ways to Say “To Start” in French
When you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you can opt for these less formal ways of expressing “to start” in French:
- Se mettre à – This informal construction can be used to express starting an action or beginning to do something:
Je vais me mettre à étudier les maths. (I am going to start studying math.)
J’ai décidé de me mettre à faire du yoga. (I have decided to start doing yoga.)
- Se lancer – This phrase is commonly used to convey starting something with enthusiasm or determination:
Elle s’est lancée dans la création d’une nouvelle entreprise. (She has embarked on starting a new company.)
Il faut se lancer et essayer quelque chose de nouveau. (You need to go for it and try something new.)
- Débuter – “Débuter” is a slightly more formal way of saying “to start” but still acceptable in casual conversations:
J’ai décidé de débuter un régime alimentaire sain. (I have decided to start a healthy diet.)
Le concert va débuter à 20h. (The concert will start at 8 p.m.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken not only in France but also in many other francophone countries, each with its own linguistic nuances. While the phrases we have discussed are widely understood throughout the French-speaking world, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
- Prendre le départ – In some regions, particularly in Belgium, Switzerland, and parts of Canada, it is common to use this expression to mean “to start”:
Les coureurs vont prendre le départ de la course. (The runners will start the race.)
Qui va prendre le départ du projet ? (Who will start the project?)
Remember, these regional variations might not be universally understood, so sticking to the more widely used phrases is usually the safest choice.
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary to express “to start” is a fundamental step towards fluency in French. In this guide, we have covered both formal and informal ways of saying “to start,” providing multiple examples, tips, and even touching on regional variations. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently begin conversations and express your intentions in various contexts. Bonne chance!
