Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging experience. For English speakers diving into Galician, understanding the nuances between words can often be a hurdle. Two such words are **empezar** (to start) and **rematar** (to finish). These terms are essential for constructing sentences and expressing actions in Galician. This article will explore their meanings, uses, and contexts to help you master these fundamental verbs.

Empezar: To Start

The verb **empezar** means “to start” or “to begin.” It’s a regular verb and is commonly used in everyday conversation. Understanding how to use **empezar** correctly can help you describe when actions commence.

Empezar – To start, to begin.

Quero empezar a ler un novo libro.

### Conjugation of Empezar

Here’s how you conjugate **empezar** in the present tense:

– **Eu**: empezo
– **Ti**: empezas
– **El/Ela/Vostede**: empeza
– **Nós**: empezamos
– **Vós**: empezades
– **Eles/Elas/Vostedes**: empezan

Understanding these conjugations is crucial for constructing accurate sentences.

Empezamos – We start.

Empezamos o proxecto mañá.

### Uses of Empezar

**Empezar** is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as beginning a task, a journey, or even a new chapter in life.

Empezar a – To start doing something.

Ela vai empezar a traballar na nova empresa.

Empezar con – To start with something.

Vamos empezar con unha canción.

Rematar: To Finish

The verb **rematar** means “to finish” or “to complete.” Like **empezar**, it is a regular verb but signifies the end of an action or process.

Rematar – To finish, to complete.

Necesito rematar este traballo hoxe.

### Conjugation of Rematar

Here’s how you conjugate **rematar** in the present tense:

– **Eu**: remato
– **Ti**: rematas
– **El/Ela/Vostede**: remata
– **Nós**: rematamos
– **Vós**: rematades
– **Eles/Elas/Vostedes**: rematan

By learning these conjugations, you can accurately describe when actions come to an end.

Rematamos – We finish.

Rematamos o proxecto onte.

### Uses of Rematar

**Rematar** is commonly used when you want to indicate the completion of a task, an event, or even a period of time.

Rematar de – To finish doing something.

Acabo de rematar de ler o libro.

Rematar con – To finish with something.

Vamos rematar con esta discusión.

Comparing Empezar and Rematar

Understanding when to use **empezar** and **rematar** correctly is essential for effective communication in Galician. While **empezar** signifies the beginning of an action, **rematar** indicates its end. Here are some scenarios to illustrate their usage:

Empezar unha carreira – To start a race.

Van empezar unha carreira mañá.

Rematar unha carreira – To finish a race.

El rematou a carreira en primeiro lugar.

Empezar unha conversa – To start a conversation.

Vou empezar unha conversa co meu xefe.

Rematar unha conversa – To finish a conversation.

Necesitamos rematar esta conversa agora.

Common Phrases with Empezar and Rematar

Certain phrases in Galician commonly use **empezar** and **rematar**. Familiarizing yourself with these can enhance your fluency.

Empezar de cero – To start from scratch.

Despois do fracaso, tivemos que empezar de cero.

Rematar en desastre – To end in disaster.

A festa rematou en desastre.

Empezar unha nova etapa – To start a new phase.

Ela vai empezar unha nova etapa na súa vida.

Rematar o día – To end the day.

Quero rematar o día cun paseo.

Practice Exercises

To help solidify your understanding of **empezar** and **rematar**, here are some practice exercises. Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs.

1. Mañá _____ (empezar) un novo proxecto.
2. Eles _____ (rematar) a reunión onte.
3. Vou _____ (empezar) a cociñar.
4. Necesitamos _____ (rematar) este traballo antes do venres.
5. Ela acaba de _____ (rematar) de ler o libro.
6. Nós _____ (empezar) a traballar ás nove.

Answers:

1. Mañá empezamos un novo proxecto.
2. Eles remataron a reunión onte.
3. Vou empezar a cociñar.
4. Necesitamos rematar este traballo antes do venres.
5. Ela acaba de rematar de ler o libro.
6. Nós empezamos a traballar ás nove.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of **empezar** and **rematar** is fundamental for anyone learning Galician. These verbs not only help you describe the beginning and end of actions but also enrich your ability to communicate more effectively. By practicing their conjugations and understanding their contexts, you’ll be well on your way to fluency in Galician. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to use these verbs in your daily conversations to become more comfortable with them. Happy learning!