encender la linterna
/enθendeɾ la linteɾna/from spelling rules
The English phrase "turn on flashlight" is translated into Spanish as encender la linterna.
Which one should you use?
To say "turn off the flashlight", replace the verb encender with apagar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the definite article la (the), so a literal translation is "turn on the flashlight".
How do you pronounce it?
/enθendeɾ la linteɾna/
Did you know?
- The spelling of linterna was influenced by the Spanish word interno, meaning 'internal'. This occurred because light emanates from the inside of a lantern.
- The opposite of encender is apagar, which literally means 'to extinguish'. This treats the light of a flashlight like a small flame that needs to be put out.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear people use the verb prender instead of encender to mean 'turn on' for electronic devices.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría encender la linterna, por favor?Excuse me, could you please turn on the flashlight?
- ¿Puedes encender la linterna?Can you turn on the flashlight?
- No veo nada, ¿puedes encender la linterna?I can't see anything, can you turn on the flashlight?
- Necesito encender la linterna para leer.I need to turn on the flashlight to read.
- Voy a encender la linterna para buscar las llaves.I am going to turn on the flashlight to look for the keys.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are walking in a dark hallway.
- SofíaNo veo nada aquí, Alejandro.I can't see anything here, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEspera, voy a encender la linterna.Wait, I am going to turn on the flashlight.
- SofíaGracias, ahora sí podemos caminar.Thanks, now we can walk.
- AlejandroTen cuidado con el piso.Be careful with the floor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries encender, la, linterna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
