Translation of Spanish word "empezar" to English
empezar
/em.peˈθaɾ/
Meaning
VerbTo begin, commence, initiate. To set in motion.
How to use
In formal and informal contexts, 'empezar' is used to indicate the beginning of an action, project, or event. For example, 'Empezaré a trabajar a las 9 de la mañana' (I will start working at 9 am). Be aware that 'empezar' can be used in the present perfect tense to describe an action that began in the past and continues up to the present, e.g., 'He empezado a estudiar español hace un año' (I have been studying Spanish for a year).
🇬🇧 English
to start, to begin
Example
Quiero empezar a estudiar español mañana.
I want to start studying Spanish tomorrow.
La película fue entretenida de principio a fin.
The movie was entertaining from start to finish.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- empezar a trabajar— to start working
- empezar a estudiar— to start studying
- empezar a viajar— to start traveling
- empezar a leer— to start reading
- empezar a escribir— to start writing
This concept in other languages
📖 Related grammar
🦊 Conjugation of the verb "empezar"Full conjugation →
Present Tense (Presente)
Simple Past (Pretérito Indefinido)
Perfect (Pretérito Perfecto)
he empezado
Imperative (Imperativo)
Frequency rank: #78 in Spanish
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Spanish word "empezar" mean?▼
The Spanish word "empezar" means "to start, to begin" in English.
How do you pronounce the Spanish word "empezar"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "empezar" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "empezar"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "La película empieza a las ocho de la noche." (which translates as "I want to start studying Spanish tomorrow.").
More Extended Verbs words
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