apagar
/ah-pah-GAHR/
turn off
Apagar means to turn off devices or lights.
apagar(verb)
turn off
?devices, lights, engines
,switch off
?devices, lights
shut down
?computers, systems
📝 In Action
Por favor, apaga la luz antes de salir.
A1Please turn off the light before leaving.
Tienes que apagar el móvil en el cine.
A2You have to turn off your cell phone in the movie theater.
Apagué la computadora y me fui a casa.
A2I turned off the computer and went home.
💡 Grammar Points
The G-to-GU Change
To keep the hard 'g' sound (like in 'go'), 'apagar' changes its 'g' to 'gu' whenever the ending starts with 'e'. This happens only in the 'yo' preterite form (apagué) and throughout the present subjunctive (apague, apagues, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'apagar' for people
Mistake: "Apagué a mi hermano (I turned off my brother)."
Correction: Use 'callar' (to silence) or 'hacer silencio' (to make quiet) when referring to stopping noise from a person. 'Apagar' is only for objects or flames.
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Commands
For a simple command to turn something off, use the affirmative 'tú' form: ¡Apaga la tele! (Turn off the TV!)
When referring to a fire or flame, apagar means to put it out.
📝 In Action
Los bomberos tardaron horas en apagar el incendio.
B1The firefighters took hours to put out the fire.
Apaga las velas antes de irte a dormir.
A2Extinguish the candles before going to sleep.
Usaron arena para apagar el fuego pequeño.
B1They used sand to put out the small fire.
⭐ Usage Tips
Passive Construction
You will often see this meaning used in the passive voice, especially in news: 'El fuego fue apagado' (The fire was put out).
You use apagar when you quench your thirst.
📝 In Action
Este jugo frío es perfecto para apagar la sed.
B2This cold juice is perfect for quenching your thirst.
La lluvia no logró apagar el ruido de la fiesta.
C1The rain didn't manage to dampen the noise of the party.
Su tristeza apagó su deseo de viajar.
C1His sadness extinguished his desire to travel.
⭐ Usage Tips
Metaphorical Use
Think of this meaning as figuratively 'putting out the flame' of a strong feeling or need, like thirst or passion.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apagar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'apagar' in its metaphorical sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'apagar' and 'cerrar'?
'Apagar' means to turn off power (lights, electronics, fire). 'Cerrar' means to close something physically (a door, a window, a book). You 'apagas' the TV, but you 'cierras' the door.
How do I say 'to turn myself off' or 'to calm down'?
You can use the reflexive form 'apagarse' to mean 'to go out' (like a flame) or, metaphorically, 'to fade away' or 'to become quiet.' For calming down, 'calmarse' or 'tranquilizarse' are better choices.