apagar
/apaˈɡaɾ/
The English phrase 'shut down' is translated into Spanish as apagar.
The verb apagar is used when you want to turn off or stop the operation of an electronic device or an appliance, such as a computer or a light. It is important to note that while it covers the electronic sense of 'shutting down', it is not the word used for the permanent closing of a business or a factory.
Meaning: to turn off or stop (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use apagar specifically for turning off electronic devices or lights. If you are referring to the shutting down of a business, an establishment or a factory, you should instead use cerrar or clausurar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, cerrar might be used instead of apagar when referring to turning off a device or appliance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite form (past tense) is apagó. The past participle is apagado, which is used to form perfect tenses or can function as an adjective meaning 'shut down' or 'turned off'.
How do you pronounce it?
/apaˈɡaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that apagar also means 'to extinguish', such as with a fire or a cigarette and is not limited only to electronics.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb apagar shares the same Latin roots as the archaic English word 'apay', which meant 'to satisfy' or 'to appease'.
- The phrase apagar las velas is the standard way to describe blowing out birthday candles across many Spanish-speaking cultures.
- A large-scale power outage or blackout is commonly referred to as an apagón, which is a noun derived directly from the verb apagar.
Examples in context
- Ellas apagaron la computadora.They've shut down the computer.This sentence shows how to use the verb apagar in the third-person plural preterite.Tatoeba #2924787 by alexmarcelo, translation #8991408 by Nylez
- Por favor, apague la computadora.Please shut down the computer.
- Lamentamos informarle que el negocio cerrará definitivamente.We regret to inform you that the business will shut down permanently.
- Apaga el televisor, por favor.Please shut down the TV.
- ¡Apaga el motor del carro!Shut down the car's engine!
- No olvides apagar la luz.Don't forget to turn off the light.
- ¿Puedes apagar el televisor, por favor?Can you turn off the television, please?
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are in their living room at night.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿vas a apagar la radio?Alejandro, are you going to turn off the radio?
- AlejandroSí, ya me voy a dormir.Yes, I am going to sleep now.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo apagaré la luz de la cocina.Perfect, I will turn off the kitchen light.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía. Buenas noches.Thanks, Lucía. Good night.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut down” translations and entries apagar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
