Significado
Introducing the first point.
Contexto cultural
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!
Significado
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.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank to order a drink at a restaurant.
__________, quisiera una copa de vino blanco.
'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:
'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.
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.
'Para empezar' correctly introduces the first point of the presentation.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
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
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios__________, quisiera una copa de vino blanco.
'Para empezar' is the correct fixed phrase for ordering the first item.
Choose the best option:
'Para empezar' is used to list points, while 'Al principio' refers to a point in time.
Camarero: ¿Qué van a tomar? Cliente: __________, unas aceitunas y dos cañas.
The customer is ordering the first things they want to consume.
You are giving a presentation and want to introduce your first slide.
'Para empezar' correctly introduces the first point of the presentation.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt 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).
Frases relacionadas
Para comenzar
synonymTo begin with
En primer lugar
similarIn the first place
Para terminar
contrastTo finish / In conclusion
Antes que nada
builds onBefore anything else
