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Spanish Phrase

Empieza con movimientos básicos.

/emˈpje.sa kon moβiˈmjentes ˈβasikos/
Meaning"Start with basic movements."
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Meaning

‘Start with basic movements.’ It’s a concise recommendation to begin an activity—such as dancing, exercising, or learning a skill—by focusing first on the simplest, foundational motions.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are coaching someone, giving a tutorial, or offering advice on how to approach a new physical activity. It works well in informal settings, like a fitness class, a dance studio, or a casual conversation with a friend.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Empiezaconmovimientosbásicos.

1

Imperative of *empezar* (tú)

‘Empieza’ is the affirmative informal command for ‘you (tú)’, used to give a direct suggestion or instruction.

2

Preposition *con*

*Con* means ‘with’ and links the verb to the noun phrase that follows.

3

Noun–adjective agreement

*Movimientos* is masculine plural, so the adjective *básicos* must also be masculine plural.

4

Accent on *básicos*

The stress falls on the second syllable, marked by the acute accent.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Cómo debería empezar a aprender salsa?

How should I start learning salsa?

Empieza con movimientos básicos.

Start with basic movements.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Empieza con movimiento básico.

    The noun and adjective must agree in number; both should be plural.

  • Empieza con los movimientos básicos.

    The article ‘los’ is optional; adding it changes the nuance to ‘the specific basic movements’ rather than a general suggestion.

  • Empiece con movimientos básicos.

    ‘Empiece’ is the formal command; use it only when addressing ‘usted’ or in very polite contexts.

  • Empezá con movimientos básicos.

    ‘Empezá’ is correct for ‘vos’ in Argentina/Uruguay, but would sound odd in regions that use ‘tú’.

↔Alternatives

  • Comienza con ejercicios simples.

    Begin with simple exercises.

  • Inicia con pasos básicos.

    Initiate with basic steps.

  • Empieza con pasos elementales.

    Start with elementary steps.

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Cultural Tip

In most Spanish‑speaking countries ‘empieza’ is informal (tú). If you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well or to a superior, use the formal command ‘empiece’. Also, in Rioplatense Spanish (Argentina, Uruguay) the informal command would be ‘empezá’ (vos).