prendido
“prendido” means “on” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
on, lit
Also: running
📝 In Action
La luz de la cocina está prendida.
A1The kitchen light is on.
Dejaste el televisor prendido toda la noche.
A2You left the TV on all night.
El fuego ya está bien prendido.
B1The fire is already well lit.
tipsy, hyped
Also: lively
📝 In Action
Después de dos copas de vino, Juan ya estaba prendido.
B2After two glasses of wine, Juan was already tipsy.
¡La fiesta está muy prendida!
B1The party is really hyped!
caught, fastened
📝 In Action
La policía ha prendido al sospechoso.
B2The police have caught the suspect.
Llevaba un broche prendido a la solapa.
C1She wore a brooch fastened to her lapel.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: prendido
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'The TV is on' in Mexico?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'prehendere', which means 'to seize' or 'to grasp'. This is the same root that gave us the English words 'apprehend' and 'comprehend'. Over time, the meaning evolved from 'grasping' an object to 'catching' fire and then to 'turning on' modern lights.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'prendido' the same as 'encendido'?
Yes, they mean the same thing when talking about lights or fire. 'Prendido' is more common in the Americas, while 'encendido' is the standard in Spain.
Can I use 'prendido' for a person?
Yes, but be careful! In slang, it means someone is tipsy or very excited. In a very formal or old-fashioned context, it could mean they were 'caught' by the police.
Does 'prendido' change for feminine nouns?
Yes! If the thing that is 'on' is feminine (like 'la luz'), you must say 'prendida'.