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"Shut down" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "cerrar", and "shut off" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "cortar". Learn more about the difference between "shut down" and "shut off" below.
shut down(
shuht
daun
)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.).
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.).
shut off(
shuhd
af
)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 stop)
a. cortar (the water or the electricity)
In the event of a fire or other emergency, this switch automatically shuts off the power.En caso de incendio u otra emergencia, este interruptor corta automáticamente la electricidad.
b. apagar (an engine)
Shut the engine off and wait for it to cool down.Apaga el motor y espera a que se enfríe.
2. (to isolate)
a. aislar
We can shut the vegetable patch off from the rest of the garden with a hedge.Podemos poner un seto para aislar el huerto del resto del jardín.
a. aislarse
When I'm writing a novel I need to shut myself off from everything and everyone.Cuando escribo una novela necesito aislarme de todo y de todos.
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.).
4. (to stop)
a. cortarse (water or electricity)
The electricity sometimes shuts off without warning.A veces la electricidad se corta si previo aviso.