Which one should you use?
While encender is the standard term, the verb prender is a very common synonym used for lighting a fire, a cigarette or turning on an appliance. In many formal contexts, you would say encender la luz (to turn on the light), though prender la luz is also understood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, prender is commonly used to mean 'to light'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Encender is a stem-changing verb in the present tense, where the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (as in enciendo). However, it follows regular conjugation patterns in the preterite past tense, such as encendió (he/she/it lit/turned on).
How do you pronounce it?
/enθenˈdeɾ/
When do people say it?
When referring to the idiom 'to see the light at the end of the tunnel', Spanish speakers say ver la luz al final del túnel.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb encender shares a common ancestor with the English word 'incense', as both stem from the Latin 'incendere' meaning 'to set on fire'.
- The verb encender can also mean to ignite sexual arousal or desire in a romantic context.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, prender is used not just for lights but to describe the act of starting a car engine.
Examples in context
- Es mejor encender una vela que maldecir la oscuridad.It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.This example shows the use of encender in the context of lighting a candle.Tatoeba #1665478 by termito2nd, translation #5155978 by Adelpa
- Un niño no es un recipiente que rellenar, sino un fuego que encender.A child is not a vessel for filling, but a fire to light.This sentence uses encender metaphorically regarding a fire.Tatoeba #1938835 by teskmon, translation #2069 by Plodder
- En otros tiempos, la gente no habría vacilado en encender un cigarrillo en estaciones, restaurantes, o salas de espera de hospitales.At one time, people would not have hesitated to light up a cigarette in stations, restaurants, or hospital waiting rooms.This sentence demonstrates the use of encender for lighting a cigarette.Tatoeba #1198343 by marcelostockle, translation #27536 by papabear
- Enciende las luces de la sala, por favor.Please turn on the lights in the living room.
- Por favor, prende una vela en el altar.Please light a candle on the altar.
- La lámpara ilumina toda la habitación.The lamp lights up the whole room.
- El farol alumbraba el camino oscuro.The lantern lit up the dark path.
- Voy a prender la lámpara para poder leer.I'm going to light up the lamp to be able to read.
- ¿Puedes encender la fogata?Can you light the bonfire?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in a dark living room at night.
- JavierNo veo nada, Lucía.I can't see anything, Lucía.
- LucíaDéjame encender la luz de la cocina.Let me turn on the kitchen light.
- JavierGracias, ya puedo verte mejor.Thanks, I can see you better now.
- LucíaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encender, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries encender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
