vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Start up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "empezar", and "start out" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "salir". Learn more about the difference between "start up" and "start out" 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 out(
stard
aut
)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.).
1. (to set out)
a. empezar
Andrea started out as a receptionist, and now she holds a high position in the company.Andrea empezó como recepcionista, y ahora tiene un alto cargo en la empresa.
a. empezar
I started out thinking she was a nice person, but then I realized I was mistaken.Empecé creyendo que era una buena persona, pero después me di cuenta de que estaba equivocada.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I started out liking my job, but I eventually got bored.Al principio, el trabajo me gustaba, pero con el tiempo me aburrí.
Sue hadn't started out to teach.Sue no había empezado con la idea de ser maestra.