Spanish Phrase
Vamos a empezar con...
Meaning
Literally “We are going to start with…”. It is used to introduce the first item, activity, or topic in a sequence, especially in classrooms, meetings, or informal presentations.
When to use
Use it at the beginning of a lesson, a meeting agenda, or any situation where you want to signal the first step of a process. It works well in both spoken and written Spanish, though it leans toward a conversational tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamosaempezarcon
Vamos
First‑person plural present of the verb *ir* (to go). In this construction it expresses a collective intention: “let’s”.
a + infinitive
The preposition *a* followed by an infinitive signals a near‑future action, similar to English “going to”.
empezar
Infinitive meaning “to start”. It can be followed by *con* + noun or *de* + infinitive, but *con* is the most common when introducing a topic.
con
Preposition meaning “with”. Here it introduces the element that will be the first focus.
🗨In Conversation
Vamos a empezar con la gramática básica.
Let's start with the basic grammar.
¡Perfecto! ¿Cuál es la primera regla?
Perfect! What's the first rule?
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos a empezar con gramática.
In Spanish a definite article is usually required before a singular abstract noun.
Vamos a empezar de la lección.
When introducing a topic you use *con*, not *de*.
↔Alternatives
Comencemos con...
Let's begin with...
Empecemos con...
Let's start with...
Iniciemos con...
We shall start with...
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking classrooms the phrase *Vamos a empezar con…* is the go‑to way to launch a lesson. It’s friendly and inclusive. For a more formal setting you might hear *Procedamos a…* or *Iniciemos con…*. Remember that in some regions (e.g., parts of Mexico) speakers prefer *comenzar* over *empezar* for a slightly more formal tone.