What does empezar mean?
empezar means to start, begin, to get started in English. It is a irregular -ar verb.
It can also be used with these related meanings: to start; to start, to begin.
Spanish verb guide
Empezar Conjugation in Spanish
Learn empezar, meaning to start, begin, to get started, through verified forms and contextual examples.
irregular-argerund: empezandoparticiple: empezado
Principal forms of empezar
- Infinitive
- empezar
- Gerund
- empezando
- Past participle
- empezado
Empezar conjugation table
Compare the present, preterite, imperfect, and future forms. Reflexive pronouns are included where the verb requires them.
| Pronoun | Present | Preterite | Imperfect | Future |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | empiezo | empecé | empezaba | empezaré |
| tú | empiezas | empezaste | empezabas | empezarás |
| él / ella / usted | empieza | empezó | empezaba | empezará |
| nosotros/as | empezamos | empezamos | empezábamos | empezaremos |
| ellos/as / ustedes | empiezan | empezaron | empezaban | empezarán |
Pattern notes
- Its forms differ from a fully regular -ar pattern in the present, preterite.
Examples with empezar
Empecemos en la página 30.Let's begin on page 30.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Empecemos a las dos y media.Let's start at 2:30.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Las clases empiezan a las 9.School begins at 9.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Practice prompts
- Conjugate empezar for yo in the present.
- Use the preterite form for ella.
- Say the nosotros/as imperfect form.
- Write a short sentence in the future.
Practice empezar online
Use VerbyGo for a quick conjugation round with instant feedback and accent checking.