Empezar/comenzar + a + [infinitivo] = to begin/start doing something

In Spanish we use this verbal structure (known in grammar jargon La perífrasis verbal) to express "To begin/start doing[something]".

Have a look and listen to the following examples in different tenses:

Notice how the preposition "a" always follows empezar/comenzar. In Spanish, unlike in English, after "a" we do not use a gerund (-ing form) but the infinitive.

See also:

• La perífrasis verbal
• Using poner/poner(se) + a + infinitive = to start to carry out an action.