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"Emprender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to undertake", and "empezar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to start". Learn more about the difference between "emprender" and "empezar" below.
emprender(
ehm
-
prehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to take up)
a. to undertake
Hemos emprendido una campaña dirigida a la recaudación de fondos.We have undertaken a campaign aimed at fundraising.
b. to start up (a business)
Si quieres emprender un negocio, antes que nada necesitas inversores.If you want to start up a business, the first thing you need is investors.
c. to embark on (a journey)
Estamos a punto de emprender nuestro viaje a Japón.We're about to embark on our journey to Japan.
empezar(
ehm
-
peh
-
sahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
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.).
