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"Shut off" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "cortar", and "shut down" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "cerrar". Learn more about the difference between "shut off" and "shut down" below.
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.).
transitive verb phrase
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.
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.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. cortarse (water or electricity)
The electricity sometimes shuts off without warning.A veces la electricidad se corta si previo aviso.
b. apagarse (engine)
She programmed the heating to shut off at 10 o'clock.Programó la calefacción para que se apagara a las 10.
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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.).
transitive verb phrase
a. cerrar
The authorities shut down the restaurant because it was deemed a health hazard.Las autoridades cerraron el restaurante porque lo consideraban un riesgo para la salud.
a. apagar
Shut down the engine so the mechanic can fix it.Apaga el motor para que el mecánico pueda arreglarlo.
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.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. cerrarse
The factory had to shut down when the owner filed for bankruptcy.La fábrica tuvo que cerrarse después de que el dueño se declarara en quiebra.
a. apagarse
The computer should not shut down while you're installing updates.La computadora no debe apagarse mientras instalas actualizaciones.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.