begin
word
/bɪˈɡɪn/
bi-GIN
/bɪɡˈɪn/
bi-GIN
Definition
To start doing something, or to start happening. It is used when an action, event, story, process, or period of time starts.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'begin to do' and 'begin doing', both usually natural. 'Begin' is slightly more formal than 'start' in many contexts, but both are very common. Often used with nouns like 'meeting', 'class', 'journey', and 'conversation'.
Spanish: empezar - comenzarPortuguese (BR): começar - iniciarPortuguese (PT): começar - iniciarChinese (Simplified): 开始Chinese (Traditional): 開始Hindi: शुरू करना - आरंभ करनाArabic: يبدأ - يبدأ فيBengali: শুরু করা - শুরু হওয়াRussian: начинать - начатьсяJapanese: 始める - 始まるVietnamese: bắt đầuKorean: 시작하다Turkish: başlamakUrdu: شروع کرناIndonesian: memulai - mulai
Example Sentences
Let's begin with an easy question.
basic
The movie will begin at seven.
basic
She began to cry.
basic
I was nervous at first, but once we began talking, it felt easy.
natural
When did you begin learning English?
natural
This is just the beginning — we're not done yet.
natural