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"Comienza" is a form of "comenzar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to begin". "Empieza" is a form of "empezar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to start". Learn more about the difference between "comienza" and "empieza" below.
comenzar(
koh
-
mehn
-
sahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to begin
Pueden comenzar el examen ahora.You can begin the exam now.
b. to start
Quiero comenzar a hacer yoga.I want to start doing yoga.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to start
El curso comenzará en otoño.The course will start in the fall.
b. to begin
Quedan 15 minutos antes de que comience el partido.There are 15 minutes left before the game starts.
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empezar(
ehm
-
peh
-
sahr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to start
La nueva temporada de mi serie favorita empieza en un mes.The new season of my favorite show starts in a month.
b. to begin
La palabra "serpiente" empieza con ese.The word "serpiente" begins with an s.
a. to start
La pelea empezó en la calle.The fight started in the street.
a. to start by
Quiero empezar por darles la bienvenida esta noche.I'd like to start by welcoming you this evening.
b. to begin by
Quiero empezar por decirte lo mucho que aprecio todo lo que has hecho.I want to begin by saying how much I appreciate what you've done.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to start
Ya es hora de empezar el examen.It's time to start the exam now.
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