Inklingo

apagado

/ah-pah-GAH-doh/

turned off

A simple bedside desk lamp is shown. The light bulb is completely dark, and the power cord is visible, indicating the device is turned off.

The lamp is apagado (turned off).

apagado(Adjective)

mA1

turned off

?

devices, lights

,

off

?

state

Also:

extinguished

?

fire, candle

📝 In Action

La luz de la cocina está apagada.

A1

The kitchen light is turned off.

¿Puedes revisar el móvil? Parece que está apagado.

A2

Can you check the cell phone? It seems like it's off.

El fuego de la chimenea ya está completamente apagado.

B1

The fire in the fireplace is already completely extinguished.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • desconectado (disconnected)
  • muerto (dead (battery, machine))

Antonyms

  • encendido (turned on)
  • prendido (on (Latin America))

Common Collocations

  • el motor apagadothe engine off
  • la pantalla apagadathe screen turned off

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'apagado' describes a thing, its ending must match that thing. Use 'apagada' for feminine things (la televisión) and 'apagados' or 'apagadas' for plural things.

State of Being

We use the verb 'estar' (to be) with 'apagado' because it describes the current state or condition of something (it can be turned back on).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Wrong Verb

Mistake: "El teléfono es apagado."

Correction: El teléfono está apagado. We use 'estar' for temporary conditions, like being off or on.

⭐ Usage Tips

Remember the Root

'Apagado' comes from the verb 'apagar,' which means 'to turn off' or 'to extinguish.' This helps you remember the core meaning.

A single, simple illustration of a piece of fabric, colored in muted, grayish brown and purple tones, symbolizing a dull color.

The color is apagado (dull).

apagado(Adjective)

mB1

dull

?

colors, light

,

subdued

?

mood, voice

Also:

lifeless

?

personality

,

gloomy

?

atmosphere

📝 In Action

Ella llevaba un vestido de colores muy apagados.

B1

She was wearing a dress with very dull colors.

Después de la noticia, su voz se sintió apagada y triste.

B2

After the news, his voice felt subdued and sad.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • soso (bland, uninteresting)
  • triste (sad)

Antonyms

  • vivo (vivid, lively)
  • radiante (radiant)

Common Collocations

  • un color apagadoa dull color
  • tener un ánimo apagadoto have a gloomy mood

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Meaning

Think of this meaning as having the 'light' or 'fire' (energy or brightness) turned off. This applies to anything lacking vibrancy, like a quiet personality or a muted color.

⭐ Usage Tips

Describing Personality

When describing a person, 'apagado' means they are quiet, withdrawn, or lack energy. Use it carefully, as it can sound a bit negative.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: apagado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'apagado' to describe a feeling or appearance, not a machine?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

apagar(to turn off, to extinguish) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'apagado' used with 'ser' or 'estar'?

Almost always use 'estar' (to be) because 'apagado' describes the current condition or state of something (it is currently off, but could be on later). You would only use 'ser' if you were describing something that is *designed* to be off, which is very rare.

What is the difference between 'apagado' and 'fuera de servicio'?

'Apagado' just means the power is off (like a phone). 'Fuera de servicio' means something is broken or temporarily unavailable, often used for things like elevators or public transportation.