Empezar expresses the beginning of something, such as a meeting or action.
The idea
In the present, stressed e changes to ie in empiezo and empieza; nosotros empezamos keeps e.
Examples
- La reunión empieza a las diez.The meeting starts at ten.
- Empiezo a leer después del desayuno.I start reading after breakfast.
- Empezamos la clase con una pregunta.We start the class with a question.
- ¿Cuándo empiezas a trabajar?When do you start working?
- Ellos empiezan a preparar la cena.They start preparing dinner.
- Ayer empecé un libro nuevo.Yesterday I started a new book.
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Watch out
Empezar a plus an infinitive introduces the activity that begins: empezar a leer.
Try it yourself
Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ a leer. (empiezo / empezo)
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empiezo
Empiezo is the present form for yo, with e changed to ie.
Choose the present form for nosotros: Nosotros ___ la clase. (empezamos / empiezamos)
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empezamos
Empezamos keeps e in the present form for nosotros.
Choose the preposition before the action that starts: Quiero indicar el comienzo de leer: empiezo ___ leer. (a / de)
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a
Empezar a introduces the action leer.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ a leer. (empiezo / empezo)
Choose the present form for nosotros: Nosotros ___ la clase. (empezamos / empiezamos)
Choose the preposition before the action that starts: Quiero indicar el comienzo de leer: empiezo ___ leer. (a / de)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Say when a meeting begins and what you start doing after breakfast.