Spanish Phrase
La primavera empieza en marzo.
Meaning
This phrase is used to state when the spring season begins according to the calendar. It uses the verb 'empezar' (to start) in the present tense to express a general or recurring fact. In the Northern Hemisphere, this corresponds to the astronomical and meteorological transition from winter.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing the weather, seasons, or making plans for the upcoming months. It is suitable for casual conversation, classroom settings, or travel discussions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laprimaveraempiezaenmarzo
Definite Articles
Unlike English, Spanish usually requires the definite article 'la' before the names of seasons.
Stem-changing Verbs
The verb 'empezar' is a stem-changer where the 'e' becomes 'ie' in the present tense for most forms.
Prepositions for Time
The preposition 'en' is the standard way to say 'in' when referring to months or years.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo deja de hacer frío?
When does it stop being cold?
La primavera empieza en marzo.
Spring starts in March.
✕Common Mistakes
La primavera empieza a marzo.
In Spanish, we use the preposition 'en' to indicate the month something happens, not 'a'.
Primavera empieza en marzo.
Seasons in Spanish typically require a definite article (La/El) when used as the subject of a sentence.
↔Alternatives
La primavera comienza en marzo.
Spring commences in March.
En marzo empieza la primavera.
In March, spring starts.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries in the Northern Hemisphere, March 21st is widely celebrated as the official start of spring. However, if you are in the Southern Hemisphere (like Argentina or Chile), spring actually starts in September, so context matters!