cominciare
/ko.minˈtʃa.re/
Definition
To start or begin doing something or going somewhere.
Example
Il film comincia alle otto di sera.
Show translation
The film starts at eight in the evening.
Etymology
From Latin *cominitiāre*, a compound of *com-* (together, with) and *initiāre* (to initiate, begin), itself from *initium* (beginning), rooted in *inire* — *in-* (into) + *ire* (to go). The sense of "going into" something neatly captures the idea of crossing a threshold into a new action.
Cultural note
Italian uses *cominciare* and *iniziare* almost interchangeably in everyday speech — both mean "to begin." *Cominciare* is slightly more colloquial and conversational, while *iniziare* can feel a touch more formal or written. Neither is wrong in most contexts. Watch out for the false friend with English *commence*, which maps more closely to *iniziare* in register.