Iniziamo

Iniziamo is the first-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb iniziare, meaning "we begin" or "let's begin." It is commonly used in spoken Italian to signal the start of an activity, such as a meeting, lesson, or event. The exclamatory form “Iniziamo!” is often spoken to announce the commencement of proceedings and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Etymology and meaning: The noun inizio, meaning "beginning," provides the semantic basis for iniziare. Both iniziare and inizio derive from Late Latin initium, the root meaning beginning. The verb shares its core sense with related Italian terms that denote starting or initiating something.

Usage and conjugation: In everyday language, iniziamo appears in contexts such as "Iniziamo la riunione," meaning "Let’s start the meeting." The verb’s full present-tense conjugation in the indicative mood is: io inizio, tu inizi, lui/lei inizia, noi iniziamo, voi iniziate, loro iniziano. The verb also forms the common imperative and related phrases: tu inizia, Lei inizi, noi iniziamo, voi iniziate, they begin (loro inizino). The infinitive iniziare and the noun inizio are closely related, with iniziare used for the action of beginning and inizio for the concept of a beginning.

Usage notes: In formal writing, iniziamo can introduce a plan or sequence, such as "Iniziamo con una panoramica" ("We will start with an overview"). In spoken Italian, it serves as a practical cue to proceed and set the pace of a session, class, or discussion.