començo

Començo is a nonstandard spelling of the Portuguese noun começo, which means the beginning or start of something. In formal writing the correct form is coméço, and it is used to denote the initial part of a time period, event, process, or sequence, as well as the starting point of a situation or idea.

Etymology and form: The noun coméço is derived from the verb começar (to begin) and uses the common noun-forming suffix -eço to indicate a point in time or state. The plural is começos. While coméo is not a correct spelling for this word, començo frequently appears as a misspelling in informal texts or typographical errors.

Usage and nuance: Começo is common in everyday speech. It can refer to literal beginnings, as in “No começo do livro, o autor apresenta os personagens,” or to more figurative starts, such as phases in a project or career. In many contexts, início and princípio are synonymous; início is often used in formal or technical writing, while começo carries a sense of moment or act of beginning, sometimes with a more colloquial tone.

Spelling notes: If you encounter comênço or començo in writing, it is likely a nonstandard variant or error. The standard spelling to use in formal contexts is coméço, with the correct diacritics. Consistency with the preferred form in your target dialect is advisable.

See also: início, princípio, carreira (com o início de uma trajetória).