Spanish Conversation · Level 59
74 words
Spanish word
encender
Pronunciation
IPA/enθenˈdeɾ/
Meaning
- verbturn on
Example
Enciende la luz.
Turn on the light.
More examples
¿Puedes encender la televisión?
Can you turn on the television?
Core concept
Power button pressed on an electronic device with a glow.
Common phrases
encender la luz
turn on the light
encender la televisión
turn on the television
encender el coche
start the car
Similar words
prender: Lights a fire or starts a device or lamp, by ignition or a simple switch action.
poner: Makes a gadget ready for use by turning its power or controls on.
activar: Enables an electronic system or service so its functions become active.
arrancar: Cranks or starts an engine or machine so it comes to life and runs.
Definition in Spanish
Activar o poner en marcha un aparato o motor para que funcione; también usar para prender fuego o la luz.
Word origin
From Latin incendĕre 'set on fire', with the prefix en- (from in-) and the root cand- 'to glow', the sense broadened from lighting fires to switching on electrical or mechanical devices.
Usage tips
- In colloquial Spanish encender can also mean to arouse or excite (for example, 'me enciende'), so context and tone determine whether the meaning is literal or figurative.