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"Encender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to turn on", and "subir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to go up". Learn more about the difference between "encender" and "subir" below.
encender(
ehn
-
sehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to turn on
Lo primero que hace cada mañana es encender la televisión.The first thing he does every morning is turn on the television.
b. to switch on
Creo que es hora de encender el aire acondicionado.I think it's time to switch on the air conditioning.
encenderse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to ignite)
a. to turn on
Las luces se encienden cuando sienten movimiento en el cuarto. The lights turn on when they sense movement in the room.
b. to light
Se encienden las linternas antes de cada servicio. The lamps are lit before every service.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
4. (to get red)
a. to blush
Mi hermano se encendió cuando ella le dio su número. My brother totally blushed when she gave him her number.
subir(
soo
-
beer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to ascend)
c. to climb
Los prisioneros subieron el muro y escaparon.The prisoners climbed the wall and escaped.
b. to raise (voice, tone)
¿Puedes subir la voz, por favor? No te oigo.Can you raise your voice, please? I can't hear you.
5. (computing)
a. to upload
Si quieres ver las fotos, ya las subí a mi cuenta de Instagram.If you want to see the photos, I already uploaded them to my Instagram account.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (to ascend)
a. to go up (moving away)
¿Por qué no subes a ver a Alex en su habitación?Why don't you go up and see Alex in his room?
b. to come up (moving closer)
¿Subes o te quedas viendo la televisión?Are you coming up or are you going to keep watching TV?
7. (to board)
a. to get on (a bus, a plane, a train)
Si no subes al autobús ahora lo perderás.If you don't get on the shuttle now, you'll miss it.
subirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
10. (to ascend)
a. to get on
Nos subimos al tren justo cuando estaba a punto de salir.We got on the train just as it was about to leave.
12. (to make drunk)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to pull up
Súbete los jeans que se te ven los calzoncillos.Pull your jeans up because you can see your shorts.
