άρχισαν
Wordform Details
Translation: beganstarted
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αρχίζω
Translation: to begin; to start; to commence (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἄρχω (arkho) meaning 'to rule, to lead, to begin'. The root 'arch-' appears in many English words like 'architect' (chief builder), 'monarchy' (rule by one), 'anarchy' (without rule), and 'archaic' (from the beginning/ancient). The suffix -ίζω is a common Greek verb-forming ending. The connection to 'rule' and 'begin' reflects the ancient concept that to begin something is to take leadership or authority over it.
Example Usage
Αρχίζω να διαβάζω το βιβλίο.
I begin to read the book.
Η ταινία αρχίζει στις οκτώ.
The movie starts at eight.
Αρχίζουμε τη δουλειά αύριο.
We start work tomorrow.
Το μάθημα αρχίζει στις εννιά.
The lesson begins at nine.
Άρχισε να βρέχει.
It started to rain.
Πότε αρχίζεις δουλειά;
When do you start work?
Mnemonics
- Think 'architect' - someone who begins and leads a building project
- Remember 'arch-' words in English all relate to being first or leading
Cultural Context
Used in all contexts from casual conversation to formal writing. Very common in daily speech when discussing schedules, events, or activities. Often used with time expressions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: αρχίζομαι is the passive/middle voice form meaning 'to be begun' or sometimes used reflexively, while αρχίζω is the active form meaning 'to begin something'
Notes: The middle/passive form is less common in everyday speech
Mnemonic: αρχίζω = I start something (active), αρχίζομαι = something gets started (passive)