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How to Say ‘I started to’ in Portuguese

Comecei a

koh-meh-SAY ah

[koh-meh-SAY ah]

💬 Usage Tip: começar a is a fixed pattern: comecei a estudar, começou a chover, começámos a falar. The a stays before the next verb.

Phrase Breakdown

Comecei

[koh-meh-SAY]

I started

Expresses the initiation of an action by the speaker.

Example

Comecei a ler um novo livro.

I started reading a new book.

[ah]

Used before a verb to indicate the infinitive form.

Example

Preciso de começar a estudar.

I need to start studying.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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