/kɔ.mɑ̃.se/
Translation
to begin, to start
Word origin
From Vulgar Latin cominitiare, a compound of com- (intensive) and initiare ('to begin'), from initium ('beginning'). The same root gave English 'commence' and 'initiate'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- cominitiare
- English cognates
- commence, initiate, initial
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -er conjugation. Pronouns: je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles.
Indicative
| Person | Present | Imperfect | Past historic | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | commence | commencais | commencai | commencerai | commencerais |
| tu | commences | commencais | commencas | commenceras | commencerais |
| il/elle | commence | commencait | commenca | commencera | commencerait |
| nous | commencons | commencions | commencâmes | commencerons | commencerions |
| vous | commencez | commenciez | commencâtes | commencerez | commenceriez |
| ils/elles | commencent | commencaient | commencèrent | commenceront | commenceraient |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect |
|---|---|---|
| je | commence | commencasse |
| tu | commences | commencasses |
| il/elle | commence | commencât |
| nous | commencions | commencassions |
| vous | commenciez | commencassiez |
| ils/elles | commencent | commencassent |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tu | commence |
| nous | commencons |
| vous | commencez |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- commencant
- Past participle
- commencé · commencée · commencés · commencées
Examples
.
We can start the meeting now everyone is here.
.
She decided to start learning the piano.
, .
That is quite enough, stop complaining.
, -.
The film starts in five minutes, let's hurry.
.
It all started with a simple exchange of looks.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(9)Le premier jour de travail
3 min read · Core 1000
Clara trouve sa place
4 min read · Core 1000
Il ne reste que ça
4 min read · Core 5000
Mathieu revient en ville
4 min read · Core 1000
Elle commence à comprendre
5 min read · Core 5000
L'homme dont elle parle
5 min read · Core 5000
Qu'il vienne ou non
5 min read · Core 5000
Quand tu auras fini
5 min read · Core 5000
Si j'avais su
5 min read · Core 5000
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commencer: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "commencer" (to begin, to start): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 5.