encender
“encender” means “turn on” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
turn on, switch on
Also: start
📝 In Action
Por favor, ¿puedes encender la televisión?
A1Please, can you turn on the television?
Siempre enciendo las luces antes de que oscurezca.
A2I always switch on the lights before it gets dark.
Mi coche no enciende por el frío.
B1My car won't start because of the cold.
light, ignite
📝 In Action
Necesitamos leña para encender la fogata.
A2We need firewood to light the bonfire.
Él encendió un cigarrillo después de la cena.
B1He lit a cigarette after dinner.
ignite, arouse
Also: stir up
📝 In Action
La injusticia encendió la rabia de los manifestantes.
B1The injustice ignited the protesters' rage.
Esa canción siempre me enciende la nostalgia.
B2That song always stirs up nostalgia in me.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encender
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'encender' in its figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *incendere*, which literally meant 'to set on fire' or 'to kindle.' This perfectly explains the modern Spanish meanings of lighting a match and turning on a light.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'encender' y 'prender'?
Both mean 'to turn on' or 'to light.' 'Encender' is used everywhere, but 'prender' is extremely common in many parts of Latin America, especially for devices and lights. You can usually use them interchangeably.
How do I say 'The light is on'?
You use the past participle 'encendido' with the verb 'estar': 'La luz está encendida.' Remember to match the ending to the gender of the noun (encendida for 'la luz').