entablar

to initiate

verb en-tah-BLAHR Rare

Also means

to establish

Usage Note

Entablar literally once meant 'to plank' (from tabla, board), but its modern sense is figurative: to start or open something formally — entablar una conversación (to strike up a conversation), entablar una demanda (to file a lawsuit), entablar negociaciones (to open negotiations). It always collocates with an abstract noun; you would not use it for physical objects.

Examples

"Entabló una conversación con el extraño."

Natural Translation

He struck up a conversation with the stranger.

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