apagar las luces
/apaɡaɾ las luθes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "turn off the lights" is apagar las luces.
This phrase is used to describe stopping the flow of electricity to a lamp or light fixture so that it stops shining. While apagar las luces specifically refers to multiple lights, Spanish speakers frequently use the singular form apagar la luz to refer to the general act of turning off the lighting in a room.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb apagar literally means to extinguish or to quench, which is why it is used for lights, fires or even electronic devices.
Which one should you use?
The phrase apagar las luces (to turn off) is the opposite of encender las luces (to turn on).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Apaga la luz is used in many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are giving a direct command to one person informally, you use the imperative form apaga las luces instead of the infinitive apagar las luces.
How do you pronounce it?
/apaɡaɾ las luθes/
Did you know?
- While apagar is standard, some regions use the phrase matar la luz, which literally means 'to kill the light'.
- The word apagar comes from the Latin 'pācāre', which relates to bringing peace or calming something down.
- In some contexts, apagar is used to describe a passion or an emotion that has died down. This mirrors its original meaning of quenching a flame.
Examples in context
- Recuerda apagar las luces.Remember to turn off the lights.Tatoeba #3657057 by cueyayotl, translation #2953270 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿podría apagar las luces, por favor?Excuse me, could you please turn off the lights?
- Oye, ¿puedes apagar la luz?Hey, can you turn off the lights?
- Por favor, apaga la luz.Please turn off the lights.
- No olvides apagar las luces antes de salir.Don't forget to turn off the lights before leaving.
- ¿Puedes apagar las luces de la cocina?Can you turn off the lights in the kitchen?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are preparing to go to sleep.
- DanielElena, ¿puedes apagar las luces del salón?Elena, can you turn off the lights in the living room?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, ya voy a hacerlo.Yes, Daniel, I am going to do it now.
- DanielGracias, buenas noches.Thank you, good night.
- ElenaBuenas noches, descansa.Good night, rest well.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apagar, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
