empezar

Empezar is a Spanish verb that means to begin or to start. It can be used transitively or intransitively to denote the initiation of actions, events, or processes. Common constructions include empezar a + infinitive to indicate beginning to do something, as in empezar a estudiar, and empezar de cero to signify starting from scratch. In everyday speech, empezar is more frequent than the synonym comenzar, which tends to sound more formal or literary.

Etymology and history indicate that empezar comes from the Latin incipere, with the prefix en- that evolved into the modern form. The verb has developed regular senses and uses across the Spanish-speaking world, though stylistic preferences vary by region.

Conjugation and forms: empezar is a stem-changing verb in the present indicative and present subjunctive, with the change e → ie in most forms: empiezo, empiezas, empieza, empezamos, empezáis, empiezan. In the preterite, the yo form is irregular: empecé, empezaste, empezó, empezamos, empezasteis, empezaron. The past participle is empezado. Other tenses follow standard conjugation patterns for -ar verbs, with the usual root changes in the present subjunctive and imperfect tenses.

Usage notes: empezar pairs with comenzar but carries different stylistic weights. Empezar a + infinitive emphasizes the onset of an action, while empezar por can introduce the first step in a sequence. Regional preferences vary, but both verbs are widely understood across Spanish varieties. Common phrases include empezar a hablar, empezar por lo más básico, and empezar de nuevo.

See also: comenzar, incipere, begin, inicio.