Most common:
* Commencer: This is the most common and general way to say "begin."
* Example: "Il a commencé à travailler." (He began to work.)
Other options:
* Débuter: This is a slightly more formal way to say "begin."
* Example: "La conférence a débuté à 9h." (The conference began at 9am.)
* Entamer: This is more specific for starting a conversation, a task, or a journey.
* Example: "Il a entamé une conversation avec son voisin." (He started a conversation with his neighbor.)
* Amorcer: This is similar to "entamer" but suggests a more delicate or gradual start.
* Example: "Elle a amorcé un changement dans son style de vie." (She started a change in her lifestyle.)
The best way to choose which word to use depends on the specific situation and the desired level of formality.