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Conjugation Chart of “Empezar” (to begin) in the Imperfect Tense

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Understanding the Imperfect Tense of “Empezar”

The Imperfect Tense of empezar is used to describe actions that were ongoing or repeated in the past, for example, Yo empezaba a estudiar a las 7 p.m. (I used to start studying at 7 p.m.).

Empezar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Imperfect Tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Empezar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of empezar is used to describe actions that were ongoing or repeated in the past.

Expressing an ongoing action in the past: For example, Empezaba a estudiar cuando sonó el timbre. (I was starting to study when the bell rang.)

Describing repeated or habitual actions: For example, Cada mañana empezaba el día con un café. (Every morning I would start the day with a coffee.)

Expressing an action that was about to happen: For example, Empezaba a llover cuando llegamos a casa. (It was starting to rain when we arrived home.)

Colloquial usage: In informal contexts, empezar can be used to express annoyance or frustration, like ¡Empezamos otra vez con tus quejas! (Here we go again with your complaints!)

Real Life Examples of Empezar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo empezaba a leer el libro cuando sonó el timbre. (I was starting to read the book when the doorbell rang.)

Ellos empezaban a preparar la cena cuando se fue la luz. (They were starting to prepare dinner when the power went out.)

Tú empezabas a estudiar español el año pasado, ¿verdad? (You were starting to study Spanish last year, right?)

Nosotros empezábamos a ver la película cuando llegaron los invitados. (We were starting to watch the movie when the guests arrived.)

Vosotros empezabais a trabajar muy temprano en aquel entonces. (You all were starting to work very early back then.)

Ella empezaba a sentirse mejor después de tomar la medicina. (She was starting to feel better after taking the medicine.)

Ustedes empezaban a disfrutar de la fiesta cuando llegó la policía. (You all were starting to enjoy the party when the police arrived.)

¿Empezabas a entender el chiste cuando te lo expliqué? (Were you starting to understand the joke when I explained it to you?)

Mis amigos y yo empezábamos a planear las vacaciones de verano. (My friends and I were starting to plan the summer vacation.)

El equipo empezaba a jugar mejor después del medio tiempo. (The team was starting to play better after halftime.)

Vosotros empezabais a cansaros después de caminar tanto. (You all were starting to get tired after walking so much.)

Ellas empezaban a preocuparse por la situación económica. (They were starting to worry about the economic situation.)

Yo empezaba a perder la paciencia con tanta espera. (I was starting to lose patience with so much waiting.)

Ustedes empezaban a disfrutar de la música en vivo. (You all were starting to enjoy the live music.)

Él empezaba a sentirse incómodo con tanta gente alrededor. (He was starting to feel uncomfortable with so many people around.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Empezar (to begin) in the Imperfect Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.