Spanish word

emprender

Pronunciation

IPA/empɾenˈdeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbstart

Example

Ella decidió emprender un nuevo proyecto.

She decided to start a new project.

Illustration for emprender (start)

More examples

Este verano vamos a emprender un viaje por la costa.

This summer we are going to set out on a trip along the coast.

Core concept

Two hands unfolding a detailed plan marked with a launch point.

Common phrases

  • emprender un proyecto

    undertake a project

  • emprender un viaje

    set out on a trip

  • emprender acciones

    take action

Similar words

empezar: Begins an action from its first instant, simply by starting it.
ponerse a: Moves to begin immediately, taking prompt physical or mental action.
comenzar: Marks the point when an activity starts and the work gets going.
iniciar: Initiates an official or technical action to open procedures.

Definition in Spanish

Emprender significa iniciar la ejecución de una tarea, proyecto o viaje con intención y esfuerzo, a menudo tras planearlo.

Word origin

The verb derives from Latin prehendere 'to seize' with the prefix em-/en- (from in-), through Old Spanish prender, which shifted the sense to 'take up' and therefore 'undertake' a project or journey.

Usage tips

  • Emprender tends to appear in formal registers like reports and news, while casual situations usually favor empezar or ponerse a.

Other meanings

  • tackleverb
  • set outverb

Opposites

Related words

  • emprendimientoentrepreneurshipnoun
  • emprendedorentrepreneurnoun

Word lists with this word