empezar present subjunctive conjugation
Empezar (to begin, start) in the present subjunctive: empiece, empieces, empiece, empecemos, empecéis, empiecen.
Presente de subjuntivo Present subjunctive
| yo | regular: empece |
|---|---|
| tú | regular: empeces |
| él/ella/usted | regular: empece |
| nosotros | |
| vosotros | |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | regular: empecen |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the present subjunctive
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How it is formed
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
Empezar is irregular here. 4 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above); the regular pattern would give empece, empeces, empece, empecen.
Read more: Spanish subjunctive: formation and triggers
Empezar in a sentence
- Empiezo a trabajar a las nueve.I start working at nine.
- La clase empezó tarde ayer.The class started late yesterday.
e→ie stem change; z→c before e (empecé); followed by 'a' + infinitive.
FAQ
What is the present subjunctive of empezar?
Empezar in the Spanish present subjunctive: yo empiece, tú empieces, él/ella/usted empiece, nosotros empecemos, vosotros empecéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes empiecen.
Is empezar irregular in the present subjunctive?
Yes. 4 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: yo empiece (regular would be empece); tú empieces (regular would be empeces); él/ella/usted empiece (regular would be empece); ellos/ellas/ustedes empiecen (regular would be empecen).
When do you use the Spanish present subjunctive?
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How is the present subjunctive formed?
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
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