Spanish Phrase
Quiero empezar diciendo...
Meaning
Literally “I want to start by saying…”. It is a polite way to introduce a statement, opinion, apology, or announcement, especially in speeches, presentations, or formal conversations.
When to use
Use this phrase at the beginning of a talk, a meeting, an email, or any situation where you want to preface what you are about to say with a courteous tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quieroempezardiciendo...
Quiero (verb querer)
First‑person singular present of querer, used to express desire or intention.
empezar (infinitive)
Infinitive verb meaning “to begin”. After querer, the infinitive follows directly.
diciendo (gerundio)
Gerund form of decir, used after empezar to indicate the action that is being started.
Ellipsis (…)
Shows that the speaker will continue with the rest of the sentence; it is not spoken.
🗨In Conversation
Quiero empezar diciendo que todos hemos trabajado muy duro este trimestre.
I want to start by saying that we have all worked very hard this quarter.
¡Exacto! Y por eso merecemos un reconocimiento.
Exactly! And that's why we deserve recognition.
✕Common Mistakes
Quiero empezar a decir que...
After ‘empezar’, the gerund (diciendo) is required, not the infinitive ‘a decir’.
Quiero empezar diciendo que...
The phrase is correct, but learners often forget the comma before the next clause, which can change the rhythm of the sentence.
Quiero empezar decir que...
Missing the gerund ‘diciendo’; the structure must be ‘empezar diciendo’.
↔Alternatives
Me gustaría comenzar diciendo...
I would like to begin by saying...
Quisiera iniciar diciendo...
I would like to start by saying...
Antes de nada, quiero decir...
First of all, I want to say...
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures, opening a speech with a modest preface such as “Quiero empezar diciendo…” signals respect for the audience and softens the message. It is especially common in formal settings, academic presentations, and political rallies. Avoid sounding overly abrupt; a brief introductory clause is considered more courteous.