interruptor
/een-teh-rroop-TORE/
light switch
Un interruptor on a wall, used to turn lights on and off.
interruptor(noun)
light switch
?household electrical device
circuit breaker
?electrical safety device
,power switch
?on/off button for a machine
📝 In Action
No encuentro el interruptor de la luz en la oscuridad.
A2I can't find the light switch in the dark.
Pulsa el interruptor para encender la máquina.
B1Press the switch to turn on the machine.
Se saltó el interruptor general de la casa.
B2The main circuit breaker of the house tripped.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Gender
This word is masculine, so always use it with masculine words like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a). For example: 'el interruptor'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't say 'botón' for everything
Mistake: "Using 'botón' (button) for a wall switch."
Correction: Use 'interruptor' for a switch that clicks or stays in a new position, and 'botón' for something you just push momentarily.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional variation
While 'interruptor' is understood everywhere, in some places like Argentina or Uruguay, people might say 'la llave de la luz' to mean the light switch.
An object acting as an interruptor, breaking the flow of a process.
📝 In Action
Un factor interruptor detuvo el experimento.
C1An interrupting factor stopped the experiment.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, it changes to 'interruptora' if the thing it describes is feminine. For example: 'una señal interruptora'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Go for the verb instead
Instead of using this as an adjective, native speakers almost always use the verb 'interrumpir' (to interrupt). Say 'el ruido que interrumpe' rather than 'el ruido interruptor'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: interruptor
Question 1 of 2
If you want to turn the lights off, what do you look for?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 'interruptor' the same as a 'botón'?
Not exactly. An 'interruptor' is a switch that toggles between two states (on/off), while a 'botón' is usually a button you press and release.
Can I use 'interruptor' for the breaker box in my house?
Yes, you can call the main switch in the breaker box 'el interruptor general'.