éteins la lumière
The English phrase 'turn off the light' is expressed in French as éteins la lumière.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to stop a light from shining by using a switch. While la lumière literally translates to 'the light', it is the standard way in French to refer to a lamp or the overhead lighting in a room. The verb used here, éteindre, can be used for turning off lights, electronic devices or extinguishing fires.
Which one should you use?
The verb éteindre is specifically used for turning things off or extinguishing them, which contrasts with allumer, which is used to turn them on.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is éteindre. When using the imperative to give a command, the form changes from éteins to éteignez when addressing someone formally or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The verb éteindre comes from the same root as 'extinguish'. In French, you do not 'turn off' a light, you essentially 'put it out' as if it were a candle.
- The word lumière is the root of the French term for the 'Enlightenment' period, known as le Siècle des Lumières, literally 'the Century of Lights'.
- In French, la lumière refers to the light itself, but it is also used to mean 'the light switch' in casual conversation. A person might say éteins la lumière while pointing directly at the switch.
Examples in context
- Éteins la lumière, s'il te plait.Turn off the light, please.This sentence is useful for adding 'please' to the command using éteins la lumière.Tatoeba #135334 by dominiko, translation #38829 by CK
- Éteins la lumière, s'il te plaît !Please turn off the light.This sentence shows an alternative way to say 'Please turn off the light' using éteins la lumière.Tatoeba #12205274 by felix63, translation #29826 by CK
- Éteins la lumière et va te coucher.Turn off the light and go to sleep.This sentence shows how to use éteins la lumière as part of a larger instruction.Tatoeba #5403549 by Aiji, translation #3177862 by CK
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are in the living room before going to bed.
- LéaJe vais lire un peu.I am going to read a little bit.
- GabrielD'accord, mais éteins la lumière quand tu as fini.Okay, but turn off the light when you are finished.
- LéaOui, ne t'inquiète pas.Yes, don't worry.
- GabrielBonne nuit, Léa.Good night, Léa.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
