At the A1 level, the focus is on the most basic present tense usage of 'iniziare'. Learners should be able to conjugate it in the present tense (io inizio, tu inizi, etc.) and use it to describe simple daily activities. The most important rule to learn here is that when followed by another verb, it requires the preposition 'a'. For example, 'Inizio a studiare alle nove'. Learners should also recognize the word in simple questions like 'Quando inizia il film?'. At this stage, we don't worry too much about the complex auxiliary rules for the past tense, focusing instead on building a foundation of common phrases and the simple present tense conjugation.
At the A2 level, learners must tackle the 'passato prossimo' (past tense). This is where the distinction between transitive and intransitive use becomes vital. An A2 student should know that 'Ho iniziato il libro' (transitive) uses 'avere', while 'La festa è iniziata' (intransitive) uses 'essere'. They should also be comfortable using the 'imperfetto' to describe things that used to start or were starting in the past (e.g., 'Iniziava sempre a piovere quando uscivo'). Vocabulary expands to include common collocations like 'iniziare la giornata' (to start the day) or 'iniziare un lavoro'. The ability to use 'iniziare' in the future tense ('inizierò') to discuss plans is also expected.
By B1, the learner should use 'iniziare' with more confidence in abstract contexts. This includes using the subjunctive mood, which is often triggered by expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity. For example, 'Spero che la riunione inizi in orario' (I hope the meeting starts on time). B1 learners should also be familiar with the conditional mood ('Inizierei volentieri, ma non ho tempo') and the imperative for giving instructions. They should begin to distinguish between 'iniziare' and its synonym 'cominciare', and understand when to use 'avviare' for more technical or business-related starts. The use of 'iniziare a' with more complex infinitives becomes common.
At the B2 level, 'iniziare' is used in more sophisticated sentence structures, including passive forms and more literary past tenses like the 'passato remoto' (e.g., 'Egli iniziò il suo discorso...'). Learners should be able to discuss complex processes, such as 'iniziare una riforma' (to start a reform) or 'iniziare una carriera'. They should also be comfortable with idiomatic expressions and the use of the verb in formal writing. The ability to use 'iniziare' to structure a long discourse or essay—for instance, 'Per iniziare, vorrei analizzare...'—is a key skill at this level. Understanding the nuance that 'iniziare' is slightly more formal than 'cominciare' is expected.
At the C1 level, the learner should have a near-native grasp of all the nuances of 'iniziare'. This includes recognizing its use in philosophical or highly academic texts. They should be able to use the verb in the 'trapassato prossimo' and other complex compound tenses without hesitation. C1 students should also understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to concepts like 'iniziazione' (initiation). They can use the verb to describe subtle shifts in tone or state, such as 'l'iniziare di una nuova era' (the beginning of a new era). The learner should be able to substitute 'iniziare' with more precise verbs like 'esordire', 'intraprendere', or 'inaugurare' depending on the exact context.
At the C2 level, 'iniziare' is used with complete mastery and stylistic flair. The learner can use it in highly rhetorical ways, perhaps playing with its intransitive and transitive forms for literary effect. They can appreciate and use the verb in its most formal or even slightly archaic contexts if the situation calls for it. A C2 speaker understands the rhythmic and phonological weight of the word within a sentence. They can engage in deep discussions about the 'concept of beginning' in Italian culture, literature, and history, using 'iniziare' as a focal point. At this level, the distinction between 'iniziare' and any of its synonyms is handled with perfect precision and cultural awareness.

iniziare 30秒で

  • Iniziare means 'to start' or 'to begin' in Italian.
  • It uses 'a' before another verb: iniziare a + infinitive.
  • Transitive uses 'avere' (I started it); intransitive uses 'essere' (It started).
  • It is a regular -are verb but watch the spelling in 'tu' (inizi).

The Italian verb iniziare is a cornerstone of the language, serving as the primary way to express the concept of beginning or starting an action, a process, or a period of time. At its core, it is the equivalent of the English 'to start' or 'to begin.' However, its usage in Italian is nuanced by its ability to function both transitively (taking a direct object) and intransitively (standing alone or referring to the subject beginning).

Transitive Use
When you are the one performing the action upon something else. For example, 'I start the book' or 'She starts the car.' In these cases, in compound tenses like the passato prossimo, you must use the auxiliary verb avere (e.g., Ho iniziato il lavoro).

Oggi voglio iniziare un nuovo progetto in giardino per piantare dei fiori colorati.

Intransitive Use
When the subject itself is what begins. For example, 'The movie starts' or 'The lesson begins.' In these scenarios, the auxiliary verb used for compound tenses shifts to essere (e.g., Il film è iniziato). This is a crucial distinction for learners to master early on.

In daily Italian life, you will hear iniziare in virtually every context. In a professional setting, a manager might say, 'Iniziamo la riunione' (Let's start the meeting). In a domestic setting, a parent might tell a child, 'Inizia a fare i compiti' (Start doing your homework). It is also frequently used in the context of weather or natural phenomena, such as 'Ha iniziato a piovere' (It started to rain). The versatility of this word makes it one of the top 500 most used verbs in the Italian lexicon.

Quando inizia la partita di calcio stasera? Spero che non sia troppo tardi.

Social Context
It is used to break the ice. 'Come hai iniziato la tua carriera?' (How did you start your career?) is a common interview or networking question. In creative circles, it refers to the spark of an idea or the first stroke of a brush on a canvas.

Using iniziare correctly requires attention to the preposition that follows it when another verb is involved. In Italian, when you start *to do* something, you use the preposition a. The structure is: Iniziare + a + infinitive. For example, 'Inizio a studiare' (I start to study). This is a fixed pattern that learners must memorize to sound natural.

Abbiamo deciso di iniziare a correre ogni mattina per migliorare la nostra salute.

Another important aspect is the conjugation in the present tense. It follows the regular pattern of first-conjugation verbs ending in -are: io inizio, tu inizi, lui/lei inizia, noi iniziamo, voi iniziate, loro iniziano. Note the spelling in the 'tu' and 'noi' forms where the double 'i' is avoided (not 'inizii', but 'inizi').

Past Tense Nuances
The choice between 'ho iniziato' and 'sono iniziato/a' defines whether you are talking about an action you initiated or an event that commenced. 'Ho iniziato la dieta' (I started the diet) vs 'La scuola è iniziata' (School has started). If the subject is feminine, like 'la lezione,' the past participle must agree: 'La lezione è iniziata.'

In more complex sentences, iniziare can be used in the imperative form to give orders or encouragement. 'Inizia subito!' (Start immediately!) or 'Iniziamo!' (Let's begin!). It can also be used in the future tense to talk about upcoming plans: 'Inizierò il nuovo corso lunedì prossimo' (I will start the new course next Monday).

Se non inizi ora, non finirai mai il lavoro entro la scadenza prevista.

The 'Iniziare per' Pattern
Occasionally, you might see 'iniziare per' followed by an infinitive, which means 'to begin by doing something.' For example, 'Iniziò per scherzo' (It started as a joke) or 'Iniziamo per pulire la cucina' (Let's start by cleaning the kitchen).

You will encounter iniziare in a vast array of real-world scenarios in Italy. If you are at a train station, you might hear an announcement saying, 'Il viaggio inizierà a breve' (The journey will start shortly). In a classroom, the teacher will invariably say, 'Iniziamo la lezione a pagina dieci' (Let's start the lesson on page ten). It is a functional word that provides structure to the Italian day.

Signori e signore, lo spettacolo sta per iniziare, vi preghiamo di prendere posto.

In the world of sports, commentators use it constantly. 'La partita inizia con un ritmo molto alto' (The match starts with a very high tempo). In television and media, programs often start with 'Benvenuti, iniziamo subito con le notizie del giorno' (Welcome, let's start immediately with the news of the day). This usage highlights the word's role as a transition marker, moving the audience from a state of waiting to a state of action.

Gastronomy
At a restaurant, the waiter might ask, 'Volete iniziare con un antipasto?' (Would you like to start with an appetizer?). This is a standard phrase that every traveler to Italy should recognize. It sets the pace for the multi-course Italian meal.

On social media or in blogs, you'll see titles like 'Come iniziare a meditare' (How to start meditating) or 'Iniziare l'anno nel modo giusto' (Starting the year in the right way). The word carries a sense of optimism and fresh beginnings, making it a favorite for motivational content. In literature, the opening sentence of a novel is often described as the 'frase d'inizio,' emphasizing the importance of the starting point.

Ho deciso di iniziare a scrivere un diario per ricordare i miei viaggi in Italia.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is using the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'start doing' or 'start to do.' In Italian, you must use a. Saying 'Inizio di studiare' (using 'di' instead of 'a') is a common mistake because 'di' is used with many other verbs like 'finire di' (to finish doing). Remember: Iniziare a, but Finire di.

The Auxiliary Trap
As mentioned, using 'avere' when you should use 'essere' is the second biggest hurdle. 'La lezione ha iniziato' is incorrect; it must be 'La lezione è iniziata.' This error stems from the fact that in English, we use 'has started' for both transitive and intransitive meanings.

Errore: La pioggia ha iniziata. Corretto: La pioggia è iniziata.

Another mistake involves the spelling of the 'tu' form. Because the stem is inizi-, many learners want to add another -i for the second person singular ending. However, Italian spelling rules generally drop the second 'i' if the stem already ends in one. So, it is 'tu inizi' and not 'tu inizii'.

Confusing iniziare with accendere is also common when talking about technology. In English, we 'start' a computer or 'start' a car. While you can 'iniziare' a car engine in some contexts, Italians almost always use accendere (to turn on/light) for electronic devices. Saying 'Inizio il computer' sounds very strange; you should say 'Accendo il computer'. Similarly, for a car, 'mettere in moto' is the preferred expression.

Non posso iniziare a lavorare se non accendo prima il mio portatile.

While iniziare is the most common verb, Italian offers several synonyms that carry different shades of meaning. The most direct synonym is cominciare. In 90% of cases, they are interchangeable. However, iniziare is often perceived as slightly more formal or elegant, whereas cominciare is more common in colloquial speech.

Cominciare vs Iniziare
Cominciare is slightly more 'earthy' and common. Iniziare sounds a bit more 'polished.' You might 'cominciare' to eat, but 'iniziare' a diplomatic process.

Possiamo cominciare a mangiare? Ho molta fame!

For specific contexts, other verbs are more appropriate. Avviare is used for starting a machine, a business, or a formal procedure. It implies setting something in motion. Intraprendere is used for starting a journey, a career, or a difficult task, carrying the connotation of 'undertaking' something significant. Esordire is used specifically for a debut, like an actor's first performance or a writer's first book.

Dare il via
This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to kick off' or 'to give the go-ahead.' It is very common in sports and event planning. 'Il sindaco ha dato il via alla maratona' (The mayor kicked off the marathon).

Finally, principiare is an archaic or very literary version of 'to begin.' You will likely only encounter it in 19th-century novels or very formal poetry. For modern learners, sticking to iniziare and cominciare will cover almost all communicative needs while sounding natural and contemporary.

豆知識

The word is cognate with the English word 'initiate'. In ancient times, to 'initiate' someone meant to lead them into a sacred mystery or a new level of knowledge.

発音ガイド

UK /i.nitˈtsja.re/
US /i.nitˈtsja.re/
The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: i-ni-ZIA-re.
韻が合う語
mangiare parlare studiare andare comprare aspettare pensare viaggiare
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'z' like the English 'z' in 'zebra' (it should be 'ts').
  • Adding a double 'i' in the 'tu' form (it's 'inizi', not 'inizii').
  • Misplacing the stress on the first or second syllable.
  • Mumbling the final 'e', which must be clearly articulated in Italian.
  • Treating 'ia' as two separate syllables (it's a diphthong).

レベル別の例文

1

Io inizio a mangiare ora.

I start to eat now.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Note the 'a' before the infinitive 'mangiare'.

2

Tu inizi il libro?

Are you starting the book?

Present tense, 2nd person singular. No double 'i' in 'inizi'.

3

La lezione inizia alle otto.

The lesson starts at eight.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Intransitive use.

4

Noi iniziamo a studiare domani.

We start studying tomorrow.

Present tense, 1st person plural. Note 'iniziamo'.

5

Voi iniziate la partita?

Are you (plural) starting the match?

Present tense, 2nd person plural.

6

Loro iniziano a ballare.

They start to dance.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

7

Il film inizia presto.

The movie starts early.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Intransitive.

8

Quando inizi a lavorare?

When do you start to work?

Question form using the 'iniziare a' pattern.

1

Ho iniziato a leggere un nuovo romanzo ieri.

I started reading a new novel yesterday.

Passato prossimo, transitive. Uses auxiliary 'avere'.

2

La pioggia è iniziata all'improvviso.

The rain started suddenly.

Passato prossimo, intransitive. Uses auxiliary 'essere'.

3

Abbiamo iniziato il corso di italiano a gennaio.

We started the Italian course in January.

Passato prossimo, transitive.

4

Le vacanze sono iniziate bene.

The holidays started well.

Passato prossimo, intransitive. Note the plural agreement 'iniziate'.

5

Inizierò la dieta lunedì prossimo.

I will start the diet next Monday.

Future tense, 1st person singular.

6

Mentre mangiavo, ha iniziato a nevicare.

While I was eating, it started to snow.

Passato prossimo of a weather verb, uses 'avere' or 'essere' (here 'avere' is common with 'iniziare a').

7

Hai iniziato a fare sport?

Have you started doing sports?

Passato prossimo, question form.

8

Il concerto è iniziato in ritardo.

The concert started late.

Passato prossimo, intransitive. Note 'è iniziato'.

1

Spero che il film inizi presto.

I hope the movie starts soon.

Present Subjunctive (Congiuntivo presente) triggered by 'Spero che'.

2

Se avessi tempo, inizierei un corso di cucina.

If I had time, I would start a cooking course.

Present Conditional (Condizionale presente) in a hypothetical sentence.

3

È necessario che voi iniziate subito.

It is necessary that you (plural) start immediately.

Present Subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

4

Iniziamo la giornata con un buon caffè.

Let's start the day with a good coffee.

Imperative/Exhortative 1st person plural.

5

Non sapevo che la mostra fosse già iniziata.

I didn't know the exhibition had already started.

Past Subjunctive (Congiuntivo trapassato) for an action before another past action.

6

Inizia a piovere proprio quando non ho l'ombrello.

It starts to rain exactly when I don't have an umbrella.

General statement using the 'iniziare a' pattern.

7

Potresti iniziare a pulire la tua camera?

Could you start cleaning your room?

Polite request using the conditional 'potresti'.

8

Abbiamo iniziato a collaborare con una nuova azienda.

We started collaborating with a new company.

Business context, transitive use.

1

L'autore iniziò il suo discorso ringraziando il pubblico.

The author began his speech by thanking the audience.

Passato Remoto, used in literary or historical narratives.

2

Si dice che la crisi sia iniziata tre anni fa.

It is said that the crisis started three years ago.

Passive construction with 'si dice' and subjunctive 'sia iniziata'.

3

Prima di iniziare, vorrei fare una breve premessa.

Before starting, I would like to make a brief introduction.

Infinitive used after a preposition ('prima di').

4

Iniziando a studiare presto, avrai più tempo libero stasera.

By starting to study early, you will have more free time tonight.

Gerund used to express a condition or manner.

5

Il governo ha deciso di iniziare una nuova fase di riforme.

The government decided to start a new phase of reforms.

Abstract transitive use in a formal context.

6

Nonostante fosse stanco, iniziò a correre verso la meta.

Despite being tired, he started running towards the goal.

Concessive clause ('nonostante') followed by 'passato remoto'.

7

La cerimonia inizierà non appena arriverà il presidente.

The ceremony will start as soon as the president arrives.

Future tense in both main and temporal clauses.

8

Hai mai pensato di iniziare una tua attività?

Have you ever thought about starting your own business?

Transitive use for entrepreneurial concepts.

1

L'esplosione demografica iniziò a metà del secolo scorso.

The population explosion began in the middle of the last century.

Formal historical analysis using 'passato remoto'.

2

Qualora iniziasse a nevicare, dovremmo annullare l'evento.

Should it start to snow, we would have to cancel the event.

Hypothetical clause with 'qualora' and imperfect subjunctive.

3

Il progetto è stato avviato per iniziare un processo di digitalizzazione.

The project was launched to start a digitalization process.

Combining 'avviare' and 'iniziare' in a professional context.

4

Iniziare un percorso di analisi richiede grande coraggio.

Starting a path of psychoanalysis requires great courage.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject of the sentence.

5

L'opera inizia con un preludio cupo e malinconico.

The opera begins with a dark and melancholy prelude.

Describing artistic structure.

6

Bisogna iniziare dal presupposto che tutti siano uguali.

One must start from the premise that everyone is equal.

Philosophical/logical usage 'iniziare dal presupposto'.

7

Sebbene avesse iniziato bene, la sua carriera declinò rapidamente.

Although it had started well, his career declined rapidly.

Concessive clause with 'trapassato congiuntivo'.

8

Iniziare a percepire la realtà in modo diverso è il primo passo.

Starting to perceive reality differently is the first step.

Abstract psychological usage.

1

L'ontologia heideggeriana inizia con la domanda sull'essere.

Heideggerian ontology begins with the question of being.

Academic/Philosophical register.

2

L'iniziare stesso dell'universo rimane un mistero per la scienza.

The very beginning of the universe remains a mystery to science.

Substantivized infinitive 'l'iniziare'.

3

Potremmo iniziare col decostruire il mito del progresso infinito.

We could start by deconstructing the myth of infinite progress.

Critical theory register using 'iniziare col + infinitive'.

4

Non si può iniziare una disanima senza aver prima definito i termini.

One cannot start an analysis without first having defined the terms.

Formal rhetoric using 'disanima' (thorough examination).

5

L'alba iniziò a indorare le cime delle montagne innevate.

The dawn began to gild the peaks of the snowy mountains.

Literary/Poetic register using 'indorare'.

6

Si è soliti iniziare il rito con una solenne invocazione.

It is customary to begin the rite with a solemn invocation.

Describing ritualistic behavior.

7

Il declino di quell'impero iniziò con una serie di carestie.

The decline of that empire began with a series of famines.

Historical causality.

8

Iniziare una nuova vita richiede l'abbandono di ogni certezza.

Starting a new life requires the abandonment of every certainty.

Existential/Literary theme.

よく使う組み合わせ

iniziare la giornata
iniziare da capo
iniziare a piovere
iniziare un lavoro
iniziare una conversazione
iniziare a studiare
iniziare le trattative
iniziare una carriera
iniziare un capitolo
iniziare bene/male

よく使うフレーズ

Per iniziare...

— Used to introduce the first point in a sequence.

Per iniziare, vorrei ringraziarvi tutti.

Iniziamo bene!

— Often used sarcastically when something goes wrong at the start.

Ho già perso le chiavi. Iniziamo bene!

Tanto per iniziare

— Used to list the first of many reasons or things.

Tanto per iniziare, non mi piace il colore.

Iniziare con il piede giusto

— To start a project or relationship in a positive way.

Voglio iniziare questo lavoro con il piede giusto.

Appena iniziato

— Something that has just begun.

Il film è appena iniziato, siediti.

Iniziare a fare sul serio

— To start taking something seriously or working hard.

Adesso dobbiamo iniziare a fare sul serio.

Iniziare da zero

— To start from nothing or from the very beginning.

Dopo il fallimento, ha dovuto iniziare da zero.

Iniziare a vedere i frutti

— To start seeing the results of one's labor.

Finalmente iniziamo a vedere i frutti del nostro lavoro.

Iniziare un nuovo capitolo

— To start a new phase in life.

Trasferirsi a Roma è come iniziare un nuovo capitolo.

Iniziare a piccoli passi

— To start gradually or with small actions.

Puoi imparare l'italiano, basta iniziare a piccoli passi.

慣用句と表現

"Chi ben comincia è a metà dell'opera"

— A good start is half the battle. (Note: uses 'comincia' but central to the concept).

Prepara bene i materiali: chi ben comincia è a metà dell'opera.

proverb
"Iniziare in quarta"

— To start something with great energy or speed (like starting a car in 4th gear).

Il nuovo impiegato ha iniziato in quarta.

informal
"Iniziare col piede sbagliato"

— To start something poorly or make a bad first impression.

Purtrobungo abbiamo iniziato col piede sbagliato con il cliente.

neutral
"Iniziare la danza"

— To start a series of complicated actions or a conflict.

Quando l'arbitro fischia, inizia la danza.

metaphorical
"Iniziare a macinare"

— To start producing results or working at a steady pace.

La squadra ha iniziato a macinare gioco.

informal/sports
"Iniziare a vederci chiaro"

— To start understanding a complex situation.

Dopo le indagini, iniziamo a vederci chiaro.

neutral
"Iniziare a dare i numeri"

— To start acting crazy or losing one's mind (often from stress).

Con tutto questo lavoro, inizio a dare i numeri.

informal
"Iniziare a scaldare i motori"

— To start preparing for an upcoming event or challenge.

I candidati iniziano a scaldare i motori per le elezioni.

journalistic
"Iniziare a tirare le somme"

— To start evaluating the final results of something.

A fine anno, è tempo di iniziare a tirare le somme.

neutral
"Iniziare a battere cassa"

— To start asking for money that is owed.

I fornitori hanno iniziato a battere cassa.

informal

語族

名詞

inizio (beginning/start)
iniziatore (initiator)
iniziativa (initiative)
iniziazione (initiation)

動詞

iniziarsi (to be initiated/to start oneself - rare)

形容詞

iniziale (initial)
iniziatico (initiatory/esoteric)

関連

principio
cominciamento
esordio
apertura
nascita

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Initial'. The 'Initial' letter is the 'Start' of a word. 'Iniziare' is the verb for that 'Initial' step.

視覚的連想

Imagine a runner at the starting blocks of a race, with a big 'I' for 'Iniziare' painted on the track.

Word Web

Inizio Avere Essere Cominciare Finire A (preposition) Progetto Lavoro

チャレンジ

Try to use 'iniziare' three times today: once for your morning routine, once for a work task, and once for a hobby.

語源

Derived from the Latin verb 'initiare', which means 'to begin' or 'to admit to secret religious rites'. It comes from 'initium' (beginning), which itself is derived from 'in-' (into) and 'ire' (to go).

元の意味: To enter into something or to go into a new state or place.

Romance (Latinate)

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities; 'iniziare' is a neutral, universally applicable verb.

English speakers often over-rely on 'start' for everything, including machines. Remember that in Italian, you 'accendi' (light/turn on) a computer, you don't 'inizia' it.

Incipit of Dante's Inferno: 'Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita...' The Italian anthem starts with 'Fratelli d'Italia...' The phrase 'In principio era il Verbo' (In the beginning was the Word) from the Bible.
役に立った?
まだコメントがありません。最初に考えをシェアしましょう!