apagar las luces
/apaɡaɾ las luθes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "turning out the lights" is translated as apagar las luces.
The phrase apagar las luces is the standard way to express the act of switching off the lights to make a room dark. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, you may also hear people use the singular form apagar la luz to refer to the general lighting in a room, even if multiple light sources are being turned off.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb apagar, which means to extinguish or turn off and las luces, which means the lights.
Which one should you use?
While apagar is the correct verb for turning off lights or electronic devices, do not use cerrar, which means to close, for these items. Cerrar is used for things like doors or windows.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial phrase Cerrar la luz is used to mean turning out the lights in some regions, particularly in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of turning out the lights that is currently in progress, use the gerund form apagando las luces.
How do you pronounce it?
/apaɡaɾ las luθes/
Did you know?
- The verb apagar is used colloquially to describe a person who is losing consciousness or 'fading out'.
- The verb apagar originates from the Latin pācāre, which means to pacify or bring peace.
- While apagar means to turn off, the opposite action of turning on the lights uses the verb encender, which specifically refers to sparking or lighting a fire.
Examples in context
- Por favor, apague las luces antes de salir.Please turn off the lights before leaving.
- El personal de seguridad desactivará la iluminación al final del día.The security staff will turn out the lights at the end of the day.
- Voy a apagar las luces antes de irme a dormir.I'm going to turn out the lights before going to bed.
- Antes de salir, cierra la luz de la sala, por favor.Before leaving, turn out the lights in the living room, please.
- No olvides apagar las luces al salir.Don't forget to turn out the lights when leaving.
- ¿Puedes apagar las luces antes de dormir?Can you turn out the lights before sleeping?
Example conversation
María and Daniel are getting ready for bed in their apartment.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿puedes apagar las luces?Daniel, can you turn out the lights?
- DanielSí, María, ya voy.Yes, María, I'm coming.
- MaríaGracias, ya tengo sueño.Thanks, I'm already sleepy.
- DanielBuenas noches.Good night.
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.
