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"Start up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "empezar", and "start off" is an intransitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "empezar". Learn more about the difference between "start up" and "start off" below.
start up(
start
uhp
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. empezar
The music started up, and the newlyweds took to the floor to dance.Empezó la música y los recién casados salieron a bailar a la pista.
a. ponerse en marcha
I turned the key and the motor started up effortlessly.Giré la llave y el motor se puso en marcha sin esfuerzo.
b. arrancar
The dryer started up in the middle of the night.La secadora arrancó en medio de la noche.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. arrancar
It is hard to start up the motor on a cold morning.Es difícil arrancar el motor en una mañana fría.
b. poner en marcha
Start up the dishwasher before you go to bed, please.Pon la lavavajillas en marcha antes de acostarte por favor.
start off(
stard
af
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. empezar
When Saray heard her name at the award ceremony, she started off by crying, but then began to laugh.Cuando Saray escuchó su nombre en la ceremonia de premios, empezó a llorar y luego se echó a reír.
b. comenzar
Baseball practice started off with throwing and catching.La práctica de béisbol comenzó con lanzamientos entre jugadores.
a. arrancar
Grandma's old car started off with a loud backfire and a lurch forward.El viejo carro de la abuela arrancó con un fuerte petardeo y un impulso hacia delante.
b. salir
Mariana was late, so she took her bag and started off to school.Mariana llegaba tarde, así que agarró su mochila y salió para la escuela.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. comenzar
Madison started off her season by making 50 baskets during the first game.Madison comenzó su temporada con 50 canastas durante el primer partido.
b. empezar
Gloria shocked everyone when she said we should start off the town council meeting with a prayer.Gloria sorprendió a todos cuando dijo que debíamos empezar la reunión del consejo municipal con una oración.
