начал пить

started drinking

→ начать

phrase Rare #36,609

started drinking Often implies starting to drink alcohol, especially when discussing a problematic drinking habit. The form начал is used with a masculine subject; начала is used with a feminine subject.

RU: Он начал пить после развода.

EN: He started drinking after the divorce.

Ты снова начал пить?

Have you started drinking again?

— Токийская повесть (1953)

Том начал пить.

Tom started drinking.

Он опять начал пить.

He started drinking again.