encendido
/enθenˈdido/
The Spanish word for ignition is encendido.
In an automotive context, encendido refers to the ignition system or the ignition switch. While the word can mean the act of turning something on, it specifically denotes the key receptacle for starting a vehicle when used this way.
Meaning: key receptacle for starting a vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
encendido is the past participle of the verb encender (to turn on/to light), and it literally means 'turned on' or 'lit'.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθenˈdido/
Did you know?
- The root of encender is linked to the Latin 'incendere', which is the direct ancestor of the English word 'incendiary'.
- The word encendido is also used to describe a person who is 'lit up' with passion or intense emotion, such as being 'enamorado' or 'excited'.
- In some dialects, encendido is used to describe a very bright or vivid color, such as rojo encendido for a glowing red.
Examples in context
- Enciende el motor del carro.Start the car engine.
- ¿Podrías poner en marcha la máquina?Can you start the machine?
- El encendido del coche está roto.The car ignition is broken.
- No encuentro la llave en el encendido.I can't find the key in the ignition.
- Hay algo atascado en el encendido.There is something stuck in the ignition.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are getting into a car.
- LucíaMateo, ¿tienes la llave?Mateo, do you have the key?
- MateoSí, ya la puse en el encendido.Yes, I already put it in the ignition.
- LucíaArranca el coche, por favor.Start the car, please.
- MateoVale, ya salimos.Okay, we're leaving now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encendido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
