Spanish Phrase
Empiezo mi turno temprano.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I start my shift early.’ It is used to tell someone that you begin your work (or any scheduled) period earlier than usual. The word *turno* can also refer to a turn in a game, so the phrase can be adapted to non‑work contexts.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are talking about your work schedule, a volunteer shift, a sports practice, or any activity that is organized in ‘turns’. It’s common in casual conversation with coworkers, friends, or family when you want to explain why you’ll be available earlier than usual.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Empiezomiturnotemprano
Empezar (present 1st person)
‘Empiezo’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb *empezar* (to start, to begin).
Possessive adjective mi
‘mi’ is the singular, unstressed possessive adjective meaning ‘my’.
Noun turno
‘turno’ refers to a work shift, a turn in a game, or a scheduled period of activity.
Adverb temprano
‘temprano’ is an adverb meaning ‘early’; it normally follows the verb or the direct object.
🗨In Conversation
Empiezo mi turno temprano.
I start my shift early.
¡Qué bien! Así tendrás tiempo para terminar antes.
Great! That way you’ll have time to finish earlier.
✕Common Mistakes
Temprano empiezo mi turno.
Placing *temprano* before the verb (*Temprano empiezo mi turno*) sounds unnatural; the adverb should follow the verb or the object.
Empiezo turno temprano.
Learners sometimes omit the possessive and say *Empiezo turno temprano*, which is ungrammatical because *turno* needs a determiner.
Empiezo mi turno temprano.
Using *empiezo* with a direct object can be confusing; if you want to stress the action of starting work, you can say *Empiezo a trabajar temprano*.
↔Alternatives
Comienzo mi turno temprano.
I begin my shift early.
Inicio mi turno temprano.
I start my shift early.
Empiezo a trabajar temprano.
I start working early.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries *turno* is the word used for a work shift, especially in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Early morning shifts are often called *turno de la mañana*. In some regions, especially in Latin America, speakers may prefer *horario* for a scheduled time slot. Remember that adverbs like *temprano* usually go after the verb or the object, not before the verb.