difference between - encender and prender

Question

Both words ( encender and prender) mean to turn on or to light. Is there any difference in how I should use them? If I want to ask someone to turn on the light what would be the most common way of asking?

Answer 1

Both mean the same. Each country might use one more than the other etc...

Edit:

This what the RAE states about, encender (#1,2 and 3) y prender (#6), Wordreference is good but not enough, in this case.

According to Gekkosan, they are both correct depending on region. - rac1, Aug 14, 2015

For turning on a light or lighting a candle, etc. - rac1, Aug 14, 2015

Thanks. :) - rac1, Aug 14, 2015

Answer 2

In Spain both "prender" and "encender" are used related to "a fire", but in differents ways

El fuego prendió con rapidez las cortinas de la casa

The fire burnt the curtains of the house quickly

El hombre encendió la hoguera

The man light the campfire

However, for the "light" is used "encender"

Si pulsas el interruptor la luz se enciende

If you push the switch the light turns on

**: Wordreference agrees with my explanation.

.. the fire ' burnt' the curtains..The man ' lit' the camp-fire. Sorry, irregulars.. Great answer, don't take me wrong, pls, really good explanation. I didn't know the difference either. - annierats, Aug 13, 2015

Please read my edit. - chileno, Aug 13, 2015

Answer 3

Obviously the usage for turning on the light is regional. In Mexico we always say prender or poner la luz.

However, the two words prender/encender are completely different when discussing the ignition timing of a motor. In this case it can only be El tiempo del encendido.

Thanks. :) - rac1, Aug 14, 2015

Answer 4

Please turn on the light.

Por favor enciende la luz.

Previous thread that covered this.

difference between prender and encender

turn light on - turn light off

:) - ian-hill, Aug 12, 2015

Answer 5

It might be regional, I've heard and would say encender for lighting a fire, and prender for turning on a light. But it looks like both work for both.

Answer 6

Prender is familiar and encender is formal in Mexico.