How to Say "lit" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lit” is “encendido” — use 'encendido' when referring to something that is powered on, like a television or a light that has been switched on.
encendido
en-sen-DEE-dohensenˈdiðo
Examples
La televisión sigue encendida, ¿quién la dejó así?
The television is still on, who left it like that?
Las luces de la calle estaban encendidas a medianoche.
The street lights were lit at midnight.
Asegúrate de que el motor no esté encendido antes de revisar el aceite.
Make sure the engine is not running (on) before checking the oil.
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).
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.
prendido
pren-DEE-dohpɾenˈdiðo
Examples
La luz de la cocina está prendida.
The kitchen light is on.
Dejaste el televisor prendido toda la noche.
You left the TV on all night.
El fuego ya está bien prendido.
The fire is already well lit.
Using with 'Estar'
Use this word with 'estar' when you want to describe the state of something (e.g., 'the light IS on').
Gender Agreement
Remember to change the ending to 'prendida' if the object is feminine, like 'la radio' or 'la luz'.
Confusing with 'en'
Mistake: “La luz está en.”
Correction: La luz está prendida. (In Spanish, you can't just say 'is on' using a preposition; you need an adjective like 'prendido'.)
Encendido vs. Prendido
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