begin

S1 W1

BrE /bɪˈɡɪn/ AmE /bɪˈɡɪn/

verb en → es

past began pp begun ing beginning

1 START/INITIATE [intransitive, T + obj] A1

to start doing something or to make something start

empezar, iniciar

  • begin (doing) sth
  • begin sb/sth

Collocations begin a new job · begin the meeting

  • The concert begins at 8 o'clock.

    El concierto comienza a las 8.

  • She began working as a teacher last year.

    Ella comenzó a trabajar como maestra el año pasado.

2 TIME [intransitive] A1

to be the time when something starts or begins

empezar, comenzar

  • begin (at) + time

Collocations The movie begins at 9 PM. · The class begins at 8 AM.

  • Classes begin at 8:30 in the morning.

    Las clases comienzan a las 8:30 de la mañana.

3 STATE [intransitive] A2

to be in a particular state or condition at the start of something

empezar, comenzar

  • begin (as) + adj/noun

Collocations The project began as a small idea. · She began her career as an intern.

  • He began his speech by thanking everyone for coming.

    Él comenzó su discurso agradeciendo a todos por venir.

Idioms

begin to see the light B2

empezar a entender algo

  • After much discussion, he began to see the light.

    Después de mucho debate, él comenzó a entender.

begin to understand B1

empezar a comprender

  • She began to understand the importance of teamwork.

    Ella comenzó a entender la importancia del trabajo en equipo.

begin with A2

empezar con

  • Let's begin with the basics.

    Comencemos con las bases.