empezar
/empeˈθaɾ/
To start in Spanish is empezar.
empezar is used to describe beginning an action or bringing something into existence.
Which one should you use?
While empezar and comenzar both mean 'to start', comenzar is often perceived as slightly more formal than empezar. Additionally, iniciar and dar inicio can be used as formal alternatives for 'to start' or 'to begin'.
How does it change in a sentence?
empezar is a stem-changing verb where the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' in many present tense forms, such as empiezo (I start). In the preterite tense, the 'z' changes to a 'c' before the letter 'e' to maintain correct pronunciation, as seen in empecé (I started). When you want to say 'to start to [do something]', empezar is almost always followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/empeˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says ya empiezo ('I am starting now'), they may actually be signaling that they are still preparing and will not start for several more minutes.
- The phrase empezar de cero literally means 'to start from zero' and is the standard way to say 'to start from scratch' in Spanish.
- The word empezar is etymologically linked to the concept of a 'piece', stemming from the idea of starting something by breaking off a 'piece' of it. It shares its root with the Spanish word pieza, which means 'piece' or 'part'.
Examples in context
- Va a empezar mañana.He is going to start tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use empezar regarding a future event.Tatoeba #1449542 by peibolvig, translation #304110 by CK
- Voy a empezar mañana.I'm going to start tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use empezar regarding a first-person future intention.Tatoeba #3533983 by marcelostockle, translation #2543576 by CK
- Sé por dónde empezar.I know where to start.This sentence shows how to use empezar when describing the point of departure for an action.Tatoeba #3666749 by Seael, translation #2376456 by CK
- El evento comenzará a las 8 de la mañanaThe event will start at 8 in the morning
- Quisiera iniciar la reunión con algunas palabras de agradecimientoI would like to start the meeting with a few words of gratitude
- La ceremonia dará inicio en breveThe ceremony will begin shortly
- Vamos a empezar el partido ahoraWe are going to start the game now
- Arranca el motor del cocheStart the car's engine
- Vamos a comenzar las clases a las 9 de la mañanaWe are going to start classes at 9 in the morning
- Empezaremos el viaje después del desayunoWe will start the trip after breakfast
- La película dará inicio en cinco minutosThe movie will begin in five minutes
- Arranca el concierto con una canción animadaStart the concert with an upbeat song
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a cafe discussing their new project.
- Elena¿Cuándo quieres empezar el proyecto?When do you want to start the project?
- JavierQuiero empezar el lunes.I want to start on Monday.
- ElenaMe parece bien, Javier.That sounds good to me, Javier.
- JavierPerfecto, entonces yo empiezo a preparar todo.Perfect, then I will start preparing everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry empezar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries empezar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
