How to Say ‘I'm just starting my shift’ in Mexican Spanish
Apenas voy empezando el turno
ah-PEH-nahs boy em-peh-SAHN-doh ehl TOOR-noh
[ah-PEH-nahs boy em-peh-SAHN-doh ehl TOOR-noh]
🇲🇽 In Mexico: This is the standard explanation for having no change: the driver hasn't collected any fares yet. It's usually true, not an excuse.
Phrase Breakdown
Apenas voy empezando
ah-PEH-nahs boy em-peh-SAHN-doh
I'm just starting
This explains why there's no change yet: the day has only just begun. Stress 'em-pe-SAN-do'.
Apenas voy empezando el día.
I'm just starting the day.
Words in this phrase
Apenas
[ah-PEH-nahs]
just / barely
Indicates something has only just happened.
Apenas llegué.
I just arrived.
voy
[boy]
I am going
First-person form of ir, used to say what you are going to do.
Voy a llamar al plomero hoy si no hay agua caliente.
I am going to call the plumber today if there is no hot water.
empezando
[em-peh-SAHN-doh]
starting
Gerund of 'empezar'.
Estoy empezando a trabajar.
I'm starting to work.
el turno
ehl TOOR-noh
the shift
'Turno' means a work shift. Tap the 'r' lightly: 'el-TUR-no'.
Mi turno termina a las diez.
My shift ends at ten.
Words in this phrase
el
[ehl]
The (masculine singular)
A definite article used to specify a masculine singular noun.
El parque está cerca.
The park is nearby.
turno
[TOOR-noh]
shift
A period of work time.
Mi turno termina a las diez.
My shift ends at ten.
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