Forgetting the Stem Change

This single form, 'enciende', can mean two things: 'he/she/it turns on' (describing an action) OR 'turn on!' (a direct command to 'tú').

Dual Role of Enciende

The vowel 'e' in the middle of the verb 'encender' changes to 'ie' in most forms, except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Stem Change (e > ie)

Use 'encender' primarily for things that produce light, heat, or start a motor/device. Avoid using it for starting a computer program (use 'abrir' or 'iniciar').

Physical Action

Extremely common in daily conversation, used for operating devices and lights.

Although 'encender' is used for both a light bulb and a bonfire, you can think of it as 'making the energy or flame start'.

Fire vs. Appliance

Commonly used when referring to fire, candles, or heating elements.

When used figuratively, 'encender' implies a sudden, strong emotional start, similar to how a fire starts quickly.

Figurative Use

Used in formal writing, news reports, or literary contexts to describe starting an emotion or conflict.

'Enciende' is a highly common Spanish verb form derived from 'encender'. It means 'turns on' (appliances/lights), 'lights' (fire/candle), or 'ignites' (emotions/controversy). Learn its stem change and dual function as a present tense and a command.

enciende

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations