Empezar/Comenzar + A + Infinitive

The constructions empezar a + infinitive and comenzar a + infinitive both mean "to start doing something" or "to begin to do something". The two verbs are almost perfectly interchangeable, though empezar is far more common in everyday Latin American speech.

Both verbs are irregular: empezar is a stem-changing verb (e → ie) in the present, and comenzar follows the same pattern (e → ie).

Formation

Conjugate empezar or comenzar in any tense, add a, and follow with an infinitive.

Empezar vs. Comenzar

Both verbs are correct and mean the same thing. Here's how they differ in practice:

• Empezar is the everyday, conversational choice. It dominates in casual speech across Latin America.
• Comenzar sounds slightly more formal, literary, or ceremonial. You'll see it in writing, news, announcements, and formal speech.

Without the Preposition A

Both empezar and comenzar can also be followed by a noun directly (without a + infinitive), meaning "to start something".

Note that when followed by a verb, the a is mandatory—you cannot drop it. Empezó llover is incorrect; it must be empezó a llover.

Past Tense Uses

In the preterite, these constructions describe the moment an action began—often framing a larger narrative.

In the imperfect, they describe a gradual or ongoing beginning:

Stacking with Other Periphrases

Empezar a combines naturally with other periphrastic structures:

Common Collocations

Some expressions are so frequent they feel almost fixed:

• empezar a entender — to begin to understand
• empezar a darse cuenta — to start to realize
• empezar a llover/nevar — to start raining/snowing
• comenzar a trabajar — to begin working

For the opposite meaning—stopping an action—see dejar de + infinitive.