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Both "empezó" and "empezaba" are forms of "empezar", which is often translated as "to start". Learn more about "empezar" below.
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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