A2 Expression ニュートラル

Para empezar

To begin with

意味

Introducing the first point.

🌍

文化的背景

In Spain, 'Para empezar' is the standard way to order 'entrantes' (starters). It is almost rude not to use a sequencing phrase when ordering a multi-course meal. Mexican Spanish often uses 'Para empezar' in a very polite, structured way during negotiations or formal requests to show clarity of thought. While 'Para empezar' is common, you will frequently hear 'Por empezar' in the Rio de la Plata region, which is a local variation. The concept of 'la sobremesa' (sitting around the table after eating) is often preceded by a meal that was clearly structured using phrases like 'Para empezar' and 'Para terminar'.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Para empezar' when it's used as an introductory phrase in writing.

⚠️

Don't stop there!

If you use 'Para empezar', your listener expects at least one more point. Don't leave them hanging!

意味

Introducing the first point.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Para empezar' when it's used as an introductory phrase in writing.

⚠️

Don't stop there!

If you use 'Para empezar', your listener expects at least one more point. Don't leave them hanging!

🎯

Restaurant Hack

Using 'Para empezar' makes you sound like a local who knows how the course system works in Spanish restaurants.

自分をテスト

Fill in the blank to order a drink at a restaurant.

__________, quisiera una copa de vino blanco.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar

'Para empezar' is the correct fixed phrase for ordering the first item.

Which sentence is the most natural way to start a list of complaints?

Choose the best option:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar, la comida estaba fría.

'Para empezar' is used to list points, while 'Al principio' refers to a point in time.

Complete the dialogue.

Camarero: ¿Qué van a tomar? Cliente: __________, unas aceitunas y dos cañas.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar

The customer is ordering the first things they want to consume.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are giving a presentation and want to introduce your first slide.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar, veremos los objetivos.

'Para empezar' correctly introduces the first point of the presentation.

🎉 スコア: /4

ビジュアル学習ツール

Where to use 'Para empezar'

🍴

Restaurant

  • Ordering drinks
  • Ordering tapas
  • Asking for bread
📚

Stories

  • First event
  • Setting the scene
  • First problem
🗣️

Arguments

  • Main reason
  • First point
  • Opening statement

練習問題バンク

4 問題
Fill in the blank to order a drink at a restaurant. Fill Blank A2

__________, quisiera una copa de vino blanco.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar

'Para empezar' is the correct fixed phrase for ordering the first item.

Which sentence is the most natural way to start a list of complaints? Choose A2

Choose the best option:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar, la comida estaba fría.

'Para empezar' is used to list points, while 'Al principio' refers to a point in time.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A1

Camarero: ¿Qué van a tomar? Cliente: __________, unas aceitunas y dos cañas.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar

The customer is ordering the first things they want to consume.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

You are giving a presentation and want to introduce your first slide.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Para empezar, veremos los objetivos.

'Para empezar' correctly introduces the first point of the presentation.

🎉 スコア: /4

よくある質問

10 問

It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting. For very formal writing, 'En primer lugar' is better.

No, that is a common mistake. After the preposition 'para', you must use the infinitive 'empezar'.

'Primero' is just 'First'. 'Para empezar' is 'To start with'. They are often interchangeable, but 'Para empezar' sounds more conversational.

No, it stays as 'empezar' regardless of who is starting. It is a fixed phrase.

Usually no. It is an introductory marker. You might say 'Es un buen lugar para empezar', but that's a different literal use.

Yes, exactly the same, just slightly more formal.

Say 'Para empezar, me gustaría...' or 'Para empezar, quisiera...'.

Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Chile.

No, for 'initially' or 'at first', use 'Al principio'.

Usually 'luego' (then), 'después' (after), or 'además' (besides).

関連フレーズ

🔄

Para comenzar

synonym

To begin with

🔗

En primer lugar

similar

In the first place

🔗

Para terminar

contrast

To finish / In conclusion

🔗

Antes que nada

builds on

Before anything else

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