Comienzan (en. Begin)

/ko'mjenθan/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To start or give beginning to an action or event.
Classes begin at eight in the morning.
Las clases comienzan a las ocho de la mañana.
To be the first moment of a process.
They begin to work on a new project.
Ellos comienzan a trabajar en un nuevo proyecto.
To indicate the start of an activity.
The celebrations begin with a special ceremony.
Las fiestas comienzan con una ceremonia especial.

Etymology

It derives from the verb 'comenzar', which comes from the Latin 'cominitiare'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

they begin the countdown
They indicate the start of a period of time leading to an important event.
comienzan la cuenta atrás
hostilities begin
It refers to the beginning of a conflict or discussion.
comienzan las hostilidades
preparations begin
It indicates that the organization of something, like an event, is starting.
comienzan los preparativos

Related Words

begin
To initiate an action or process.
comenzar
start
The first moment or phase of something.
inicio

Slang Meanings

To take the first step in something that has been planned.
When we say they begin to work, it means that things are already in motion.
Cuando decimos que comienzan a trabajar, significa que ya están en marcha las cosas.