encenderlo
/enθendeɾlo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'turn it on' is translated as encenderlo.
This phrase is used to describe starting the flow of power to an electrical device so that it begins to work. The verb encender means 'to turn on', while the pronoun lo is used to represent a masculine object meaning 'it'.
What does it mean word for word?
The form encenderlo is a combination of the verb encender, which means 'to light' or 'to ignite' and the object pronoun lo, which means 'it'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in Central America, speakers may use the verb prender instead of encender to mean 'to turn on'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix of the verb changes based on the gender and number of the object you are turning on, using forms such as encenderla for feminine singular, encenderlos for masculine plural or encenderlas for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθendeɾlo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using prender instead of encender can sound more colloquial. However, in certain contexts, prender can also mean 'to arrest' or 'to catch' someone, depending on the country.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say you want to 'turn on' a person using the verb prender, it can carry a strong sexual connotation of 'arousing' them.
- The word encender comes from the Latin incendere, which is a distant relative of the English word 'incendiary'. This reveals that the root of 'turning on' a lamp is the same as 'setting fire' to something.
Examples in context
- No puedo encenderlo porque el interruptor está roto.I can't turn it on, because the switch is broken.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to turn it on due to a broken switch.Tatoeba #1591438 by Shishir, translation #1590864 by Grim_fandango
- Enciéndalo, por favor.Turn it on, please.
- Encienda el dispositivo, por favor.Turn on the device, please.
- Enciéndelo, por favor.Turn it on
- ¿Puedes encenderlo, por favor?Can you turn it on, please?
- Juan, enciende la radio, por favorJuan, turn on the radio, please
- Debes encenderlo para ver la película.You must turn it on to watch the movie.
Example conversation
Maria and Alejandro are looking at a new lamp.
- María¿Crees que funciona?Do you think it works?
- AlejandroNo lo sé, intenta encenderlo.I don't know, try to turn it on.
- MaríaNo encuentro el botón.I can't find the button.
- AlejandroEstá detrás del cable.It is behind the cable.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
