encendido
/en-sen-DEE-doh/
on
When a light is encendido, it is turned 'on'.
📝 In Action
La televisión sigue encendida, ¿quién la dejó así?
A1The television is still on, who left it like that?
Las luces de la calle estaban encendidas a medianoche.
A2The street lights were lit at midnight.
Asegúrate de que el motor no esté encendido antes de revisar el aceite.
B1Make sure the engine is not running (on) before checking the oil.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Encendido' as an Adjective
This word is the past form of the verb 'encender' (to turn on), but it is used as a regular adjective. It must match the thing it describes: 'el radio encendido' (masculine), 'la lámpara encendida' (feminine).
Use with Estar
To say something is 'on' or 'lit' right now, always use the verb 'estar' (to be in a state): 'El horno está encendido' (The oven is on).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Ser' and 'Estar'
Mistake: "La luz es encendida."
Correction: La luz está encendida. Use 'estar' because being 'on' is a temporary state, not a permanent characteristic.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Origin
Think of 'encendido' as the result of the action 'encender' (to turn on). The device has been 'turned on' and is now 'on'.
An encendido argument is one that is 'heated' or very intense.
encendido(adjective)
heated
?argument, debate
,fiery
?speech, passion
flushed
?face, cheeks (red from emotion)
,passionate
?feelings
📝 In Action
Tuvieron una discusión muy encendida sobre política.
B2They had a very heated discussion about politics.
Su rostro estaba encendido por la vergüenza.
C1Her face was flushed (red) with shame.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
Just like a fire can be 'lit,' emotions or arguments can be 'lit up' or 'heated.' This meaning is used for intense feelings or discussions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Intensity
Use this adjective to describe the intensity of an event or emotion, not just the emotion itself. 'Una pasión encendida' means an intense, burning passion.
The encendido of a car refers to the 'ignition' process.
📝 In Action
Tengo problemas con el encendido de mi coche en las mañanas.
B1I have problems with the ignition (starting) of my car in the mornings.
El botón de encendido está justo aquí.
A2The power switch/button is right here.
💡 Grammar Points
The Noun Form
When used as a noun, 'el encendido' refers to the action of turning something on or the mechanism that performs this action (like the ignition or power switch).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you see 'el encendido' (masculine singular noun), it almost always refers to starting a machine. If you see 'está encendido/a' (with the verb 'estar'), it's the adjective meaning 'on'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encendido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'encendido' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encendido' related to 'encender'?
Yes! 'Encendido' is the past form of the verb 'encender' (to turn on/light). It acts like an adjective, describing the state that results from the verb's action: something that has been 'turned on' is now 'on'.
How do I know if I should use 'encendido' or 'prendido'?
Both mean 'on.' 'Encendido' is standard across the Spanish-speaking world. 'Prendido' is very common, sometimes even preferred, in many parts of Latin America, especially for lights or electronics.