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"Began" is a form of "begin", a transitive verb which is often translated as "empezar". Learn more about "begin" below.
begin(
bi
-
gihn
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. empezar
We began the exam at noon.Empezamos el examen a mediodía.
b. comenzar
I like to begin the day with a cup of hot coffee.Me gusta comenzar el día con una taza de café caliente.
c. iniciar
Next week, we begin a new phase for our company.La semana que viene iniciaremos una nueva etapa en nuestra empresa.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. empezar
Let me begin by thanking you for being here this afternoon.Déjenme empezar por agradecerles que estén aquí esta tarde.
b. comenzar
We were waiting at the bus stop when the storm began.Estábamos esperando en la parada de autobús cuando comenzó la tormenta.
c. iniciarse
The new healthcare program begins January first.Se iniciará el nuevo programa sanitario el primero de enero.
a. originarse
The tradition of the American boarding school began in England.La tradición del internado estadounidense se originó en Inglaterra.
b. nacer (river)
The Amazon River begins in Peru.El río Amazonas nace en Perú.
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