enciéndelo
/enθjendelo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "light it" is translated into Spanish as enciéndelo.
The phrase is used to instruct someone to ignite something or to turn on a light source. Note that the phrase Me enciende can also mean "It turns me on."
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb enciende (light/turn on) and the object pronoun lo (it).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb encender might be replaced by prender.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form enciéndelo uses the masculine object pronoun lo, which refers to a masculine noun like el cigarrillo (the cigarette) or el interruptor (the switch). If the object being lit is feminine, such as la vela (the candle), the phrase changes to enciéndela.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθjendelo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, prender can also mean 'to catch' or 'to arrest' a person, which is entirely different from the meaning of 'lighting' a candle.
- The root of encender is related to the word ceniza, meaning 'ash', suggesting the action of creating the residue left by fire.
- There is a subtle semantic divide between encender and iluminar. While an English speaker might say 'light the room', a Spanish speaker would use encender for the switch/source and iluminar for the actual effect of the light filling the space.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría encender la vela?Excuse me, could you light the candle?
- ¿Sería tan amable de encender la estufa, por favor?Would you be so kind as to light the stove, please?
- ¿Es posible que encienda la luz, por favor?Is it possible for you to turn on the light, please?
- Oye, ¿puedes prender la vela?Hey, can you light the candle?
- ¡Enciende la parrilla, porfa!Light up the grill, please!
- Vamos a encender el fuego para asar marshmallows.Let's light the fire to roast marshmallows.
- Tengo un encendedor, enciéndelo ahora.I have a lighter, light it now.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are trying to light a campfire.
- JavierElena, ya puse la leña.Elena, I already put the firewood.
- ElenaPerfecto, ¿tienes el encendedor?Perfect, do you have the lighter?
- JavierSí, aquí está. Enciéndelo tú.Yes, here it is. Light it yourself.
- ElenaDe acuerdo, lo hago ahora.Alright, I'll do it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
