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"Switch off" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "apagar", and "turn off" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "apagar". Learn more about the difference between "switch off" and "turn off" below.
switch off(
swihch
 
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. apagar
Switch off the lights when you leave, please.Apaga las luces cuando te vayas, por favor.
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. apagarse
I've programmed the TV to switch off in 30 minutes.He programado la tele para que se apague en 30 minutos.
a. desconectarse
Whenever she starts talking about her stamp collection, I switch off.Cuando comienza a hablar de su colección de sellos, me desconecto.
b. desconectar
When the sports section comes on the news, I switch off.Cuando llega la información deportiva en las noticias, desconecto.
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turn off(
tuhrn
 
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. apagar (light, appliance)
Turn off the light and go to sleep.Apaga la luz y vete a dormir.
b. cerrar (faucet, water, gas)
Turn off the gas and open the windows.Cierra el gas y abre las ventanas.
c. desconectar (electricity)
They turned off the electricity when she didn't pay her bill.Desconectaron la electricidad cuando no pagó la factura de la luz.
d. cortar (electricity, water)
The plumber turned the water off because there was a leak in a pipe.El fontanero cortó el agua porque había una fuga en una tubería.
e. parar (engine)
I parked in the garage and turned the engine off.Aparqué en el garaje y paré el motor.
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(to sexually repel)
a. repugnar
She was turned off by his poor table manners.Le repugnaban sus malos modales en la mesa.
b. matar el deseo
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Men wearing socks with sandals really turns me off.Los hombres que llevan calcetines con chanclas me matan totalmente el deseo.
c. apagar
It turns me off when he burps in public.Me apaga cuando eructa en público.
a. salir
Turn off the highway at the next exit.Sale la carretera en la siguiente salida.
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. apagarse
I've programmed the lights to turn on and off at set times.He programado las luces para que se enciendan y se apaguen a horas determinadas.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.