para empezar

to start with

for a start

para empezar(pah-rah ehm-peh-sahr)

phrase

1. (at first)

a. to start with

Para empezar, tienes que poner los garbanzos en remojo el día antes.

To start with, you have to soak the chickpeas the day before.

b. to begin with

Es mejor que, para empezar, elijas algo fácil, que sepas que puedes hacer.

It's best to choose something easy to begin with; something you know you can do.

2. (used to express annoyance)

a. for a start

Para empezar, no me gusta que me griten y, para seguir, no tienes razón en absoluto.

For a start, I don't like to be shouted at, and what's more you're completely and utterly wrong.

b. for one thing

Para empezar, esta es mi casa y hago en ella lo que quiero.

For one thing, this is my house and I can do as I please in it.