começar isso / iniciar isso
1. To begin or initiate something; to cause something to begin operating or functioning
Can you start it for me? I don't know how to turn on this machine.
Você pode começar isso para mim? Não sei como ligar esta máquina.
2. To commence an activity, project, or event
Let's start it now before we run out of time.
Vamos começar agora antes de ficarmos sem tempo.
3. To activate or turn on a device or engine
Start it up and let's see if the car runs properly.
Ligue-o e vamos ver se o carro funciona bem.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'começar' is more colloquial and frequently used in everyday speech, while 'iniciar' is more formal and technical. Americans often use 'start it' casually with machines, engines, or activities. In Portuguese culture, there's a slight preference for formality in professional contexts, whereas in Brazil the phrase is used more flexibly across all contexts.
NYC Slang
kick it off / fire it up
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