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"Plug in" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "enchufar", and "turn on" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "prender". Learn more about the difference between "plug in" and "turn on" below.
plug in(
pluhg
ihn
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to connect)
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
2. (to connect)
a. enchufarse
Where do the red and white cables plug in? - On the back of the TV.¿Dónde se enchufan los cables blanco y rojo? - Atrás de la tele.
turn on(
tuhrn
an
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. prender (a light or an appliance) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Turn on the lights when you go into the basement.Prende las luces cuando bajes al sótano.
b. abrir (a faucet or water)
I turned the hot water faucet on, but nothing came out.Abrí el grifo del agua caliente, pero no salió nada.
c. encender (a light or an appliance)
Turn on the TV. My favorite show is about to start.Enciende el televisor. Mi programa favorito está a punto de empezar.
d. conectar (electricity)
The supplier hasn't turned on the electricity at our new house yet.El proveedor aún no ha conectado la electricidad en nuestra nueva casa.
2. (colloquial) (to excite)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. gustar
Rock music doesn't turn me on that much; I prefer classical.La música rock no me gusta tanto, prefiero la clásica.
b. prender (colloquial) (sexually)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
It turns me on when my girlfriend kisses my neck.Me prende cuando mi novia me besa el cuello.
c. excitar (sexually)
I always give her a massage to turn her on.Siempre le doy un masaje para excitarla.
d. poner cachondo (colloquial) (sexually) (Mexico) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Spain
Raw oysters never fail to turn them on.Las ostras crudas no fallan en ponerles cachondos.
a. volverse en contra de
When he confessed to stealing their money, his friends turned on him.Cuando confesó al robo de su dinero, sus amigos se volvieron en su contra.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
b. prenderse (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I wake up when the central heating turns on.Me despierto cuando se prende la calefacción central.
5. (legal)
a. depender de
The fate of the defendant turns on the judge's decision.El destino del acusado depende de la decisión del juez.
