Portuguese Phrase
Vamos começar com...
Meaning
Literally ‘Let’s start with…’, this phrase is used to introduce the first item, topic, or activity in a sequence. It signals that the speaker is about to launch a discussion, lesson, or any ordered process.
When to use
Use it at the beginning of a presentation, classroom lesson, meeting, or casual conversation when you want to guide the listener to the first point on the agenda. It works in both informal and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamoscomeçarcom...
Vamos = ir + infinitive
‘Vamos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘ir’ followed by an infinitive, used like ‘let’s’ in English to propose an action.
começar (infinitive)
The verb ‘começar’ means ‘to start’ or ‘to begin’; in this construction it stays in the infinitive because it is governed by ‘vamos’.
com (preposition)
‘Com’ means ‘with’ and introduces the element that will be the starting point of the activity.
Ellipsis (…)
The three dots indicate that the speaker will add the specific item after the phrase, e.g., ‘Vamos começar com o primeiro exercício.’
🗨In Conversation
Vamos começar com a primeira pergunta: qual é a sua cor favorita?
Let's start with the first question: what is your favorite color?
A minha cor favorita é azul.
My favorite color is blue.
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos a começar com o exercício.
The verb ‘ir’ already carries the idea of movement; adding ‘a’ is redundant and ungrammatical.
Vamos começar a o primeiro tópico.
‘Começar’ already means ‘to start’; adding another ‘a’ before the object creates a double infinitive that is not used in this construction.
Vamos começar com o…
If the noun that follows is masculine singular, you need the article, but the ellipsis should be replaced by the actual noun; the ellipsis itself cannot be combined with an article.
↔Alternatives
Comecemos com...
Let's begin with...
Iniciemos com...
We shall start with...
Vamos iniciar com...
Let's initiate with...
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese ‘Vamos começar com…’ is perfectly natural in spoken language and in most written contexts such as emails or lesson plans. In very formal written Portuguese you might prefer ‘Iniciemos com…’ or ‘Comecemos com…’. Also, avoid adding a preposition after ‘vamos’ (e.g., *‘Vamos a começar’* is incorrect).