Learning how to say “turn on” in French can improve your ability to communicate effectively in various situations. Whether you want to ask someone to switch on a light or start an electronic device, this guide will explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the most commonly used terms in French.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Turn On”
1. Allumer: This is the most common and versatile word for “to turn on” in French. It can be used in formal and informal situations, making it a go-to choice. For example, you can say, “Veuillez allumer la lumière” (Please turn on the light) or “Je vais allumer l’ordinateur” (I am going to turn on the computer).
2. Mettre en marche: This formal expression literally translates to “to put into motion” and is commonly used for turning on machinery or starting engines. You can use it in sentences like, “Pouvez-vous mettre en marche la machine?” (Can you turn on the machine?) or “Je vais mettre en marche la voiture” (I am going to start the car).
Informal Ways to Say “Turn On”
1. Brancher: This informal term is widely used among native French speakers to mean “to plug in” or “to connect.” It can also be used to refer to turning on electronic devices. For instance, you can say, “Tu peux brancher la télévision s’il te plaît?” (Can you turn on the TV, please?) or “Je vais brancher le lecteur MP3” (I am going to plug in the MP3 player).
2. Démarrer: This word primarily translates to “to start” and is commonly used to refer to turning on a vehicle or an engine. In informal contexts, it can also be used for other devices. For example, you can say, “Démarre le moteur de la tondeuse” (Start the lawnmower engine) or “Je vais démarrer la console de jeu” (I am going to start the gaming console).
Examples and Tips
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand the usage of these phrases:
Tips:
- When using “allumer” or “mettre en marche,” remember to conjugate them according to the subject of your sentence.
- If you’re unsure which word to use, “allumer” is a safe and versatile choice in most situations.
- For informal conversations, “brancher” and “démarrer” are commonly used, particularly for electronic devices and vehicles.
- Always be mindful of the context and register of your conversation to choose the appropriate term.
Examples:
“Pouvez-vous allumer la climatisation, s’il vous plaît?” (Can you turn on the air conditioning, please?)
“Je ne sais pas comment démarrer cette vieille moto.” (I don’t know how to start this old motorcycle.)
“J’ai branché la nouvelle imprimante sur mon ordinateur.” (I connected the new printer to my computer.)
“Veuillez mettre en marche le générateur en cas de panne de courant.” (Please start the generator in case of a power outage.)
By familiarizing yourself with these phrases, you’ll be able to confidently ask someone to turn on various devices or systems in French. Remember to practice them in different contexts to enhance your fluency and adaptability. Happy learning!
