empezar

Senses

1. 1.

   to begin, to start

   to initiate or commence an action or event

2. 2.

   to start (with), to commence (with)

   to take the first step or action in a sequence

Examples

• "Mañana empezamos un nuevo proyecto."

  Tomorrow we start a new project.

• "¿Cuándo empieza la película?"

  When does the movie begin?

• "Empecé por leer el primer capítulo."

  I began by reading the first chapter.

Usage

One of the most common verbs in Spanish; use with or without a direct object. Often followed by a + infinitive (empezar a hablar = to start speaking). Stem-changing verb (e→ie) in present tense: empiezo, empiezas, empieza, etc.