Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo empieza el invierno?
Meaning
This is a standard question used to ask about the commencement of the winter season. It utilizes the interrogative 'cuándo' (when) and the verb 'empezar' (to start) in its present tense form.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are curious about seasonal changes or planning activities that depend on the weather. It is appropriate for both casual and formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándoempiezaelinvierno?
Cuándo
An interrogative word meaning 'when' that always carries a tilde (accent mark) in questions.
Empieza
The third-person singular of 'empezar', a stem-changing verb where the 'e' changes to 'ie'.
El invierno
Nouns for seasons in Spanish are typically masculine and usually require a definite article.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo empieza el invierno?
When does winter start?
Empieza el veintiuno de diciembre.
It starts on December 21st.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo empezar el invierno?
The verb must be conjugated to match the subject 'invierno' rather than using the infinitive.
¿Cuándo empieza la invierno?
'Invierno' is a masculine noun and must be preceded by the masculine article 'el'.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuándo comienza el invierno?
When does winter begin?
¿Qué día empieza el invierno?
What day does winter start?
Cultural Tip
In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins in December, but remember that in Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina or Chile, winter starts in June. People often discuss the winter solstice as the official start date.