Spanish Phrase
Me gustaría empezar por...
Meaning
Literally, 'I would like to start with...'. It is a courteous way to introduce the first item in a list, a topic in a discussion, or a step in a process.
When to use
Use this phrase at the beginning of meetings, presentations, classroom discussions, or any situation where you want to suggest the order of topics in a polite, non‑imperative way.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Megustaríaempezarpor...
Me (indirect object pronoun)
The pronoun 'me' indicates the person who experiences the feeling; it is required with the verb gustar.
gustaría (conditional of gustar)
The conditional form expresses a polite desire, equivalent to 'would like'.
empezar (infinitive)
The infinitive follows gustar and functions as the thing that is liked.
por (preposition)
Por introduces the starting point or the element you want to begin with.
🗨In Conversation
Me gustaría empezar por los resultados del trimestre.
I would like to start with the quarterly results.
Claro, vamos a revisarlos primero.
Sure, let's review those first.
✕Common Mistakes
Quiero empezar por...
Using 'quiero' is less polite; the conditional 'gustaría' is preferred for formal or group settings.
Me gustaría empezar con...
While 'empezar con' is possible, the idiomatic expression for 'start with' in this context is 'empezar por'.
Me gustaria empezar por...
Missing the accent on 'gustaría' changes the meaning and is considered a spelling error.
↔Alternatives
Quisiera comenzar con...
I would like to begin with...
Me gustaría iniciar con...
I would like to start with...
Empecemos con...
Let's start with...
Cultural Tip
The conditional 'gustaría' softens the request, making it sound respectful. In very formal settings you might also hear 'Me complacería iniciar con…'. Avoid using the simple present 'quiero' unless you have a close relationship with the listener, as it can sound too direct.