The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Empezar is used to give direct orders or instructions to begin or start something, for example: Empecemos el proyecto ahora. (Let’s start the project now.)

This verb follows the e to ie stem-changing conjugation pattern, where the stem vowel changes from ‘e’ to ‘ie’ in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Empezar (to begin) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Castilian Spanish):

Empezar generally means “to start” or “to begin”, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To start an action: This is the most common meaning, for example, Empecemos a trabajar. (Let’s start working.)

To initiate something: Similar to starting an action, but with a focus on the beginning, for example, Empezad la reunión sin mí. (Start the meeting without me.)

To start talking: Used when someone is hesitant or taking too long to speak, for example, ¡Empieza de una vez! (Just start talking already!)

To begin a story or explanation: For example, Empiecen por el principio. (Start from the beginning.)

To provoke or instigate (colloquial): In a confrontational sense, for example, ¡No empieces! (Don’t start!)

To start flirting or making advances (colloquial): For example, Empezad con los piropos. (Start with the compliments.)

Examples

Examples of Empezar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Empieza a preparar la cena! (Start preparing dinner!)

Por favor, empecemos la reunión a tiempo. (Please, let’s start the meeting on time.)

Cuando estés listo, empiece el ejercicio. (When you’re ready, begin the exercise.)

Oye, empezad a limpiar antes de que llegue mamá. (Hey, start cleaning before mom gets here.)

Equipo, empiecen a calentar para el partido. (Team, start warming up for the game.)

¿Podemos empezar ya? Tengo mucha hambre. (Can we start eating now? I’m really hungry.)

Chicos, empiecen a empacar sus maletas para el viaje. (Kids, start packing your suitcases for the trip.)

Oye, ¿por qué no empiezas ese proyecto que has estado posponiendo? (Hey, why don’t you start that project you’ve been putting off?)

Antes de irnos, empecemos por revisar que no olvidamos nada. (Before we leave, let’s start by checking that we didn’t forget anything.)

¡Empieza a correr, que se nos hace tarde! (Start running, we’re getting late!)

Cuando suene la alarma, empiecen a evacuar el edificio con calma. (When the alarm sounds, start evacuating the building calmly.)

Amigo, ya es hora de que empieces a pensar en tu futuro. (Friend, it’s time for you to start thinking about your future.)

Equipo, empezad a trabajar en esos pendientes. (Team, start working on those pending tasks.)

Señorita, por favor empiece su presentación cuando esté lista. (Miss, please begin your presentation when you’re ready.)

¡Empecemos esta fiesta! ¿Quién trae las bebidas? (Let’s start this party! Who’s bringing the drinks?)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Empezar (to begin) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.