comenzar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Comenzar is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/komeˈθaɾ/ (in Spain) or /komeˈzaɾ/ (in Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• To begin
• To start
• To initiate

Meaning and Usage

Comenzar is commonly used in both general and formal contexts to imply the initiation of an action, event, or process. It refers to the moment when something starts or the action of starting something anew. The frequency of use is high in everyday language, and it is prevalent in both oral speech and written contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Voy a comenzar a estudiar para el examen mañana.

2. I'm going to start studying for the exam tomorrow.

3. El evento comenzará a las 7 de la tarde.

4. The event will begin at 7 in the evening.

5. Es hora de comenzar un nuevo capítulo en mi vida.

6. It's time to start a new chapter in my life.

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb comenzar is integral to various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often used to convey the notion of starting something significant or noteworthy.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Comenzar de cero.
2. To start from scratch.
3. Después de perder su trabajo, tuvo que comenzar de cero en su carrera.

4. After losing his job, he had to start from scratch in his career.

5. Comenzar un nuevo capítulo.

6. To begin a new chapter.
7. Después de mudarse a otra ciudad, ella decidió comenzar un nuevo capítulo en su vida.

8. After moving to another city, she decided to begin a new chapter in her life.

9. Comenzar la casa por el tejado.

10. To start at the top of the house (to start with the most complex issues).
11. No debemos comenzar la casa por el tejado; primero debemos establecer una buena base.

12. We shouldn't start at the top; first, we must establish a good foundation.

13. Comenzar con buen pie.

14. To start on the right foot.
15. Quería comenzar con buen pie en su nuevo trabajo.
16. He wanted to start on the right foot in his new job.

Etymology

The word comenzar comes from the Latin verb cominitiare, formed from the prefix com- meaning "with" and initiare which means "to initiate." Its evolution reflects the transitions in language through the ages, leading to its current usage in modern Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Empezar (to start) - Iniciar (to initiate) - Principal (to commence) [more formal]

Antonyms: - Terminar (to finish) - Acabar (to end) - Concluir (to conclude)