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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.).
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.).
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.
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.).
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.
2. (colloquial) (to sexually repel)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. repugnar
She was turned off by his poor table manners.Le repugnaban sus malos modales en la mesa.
b. matar el deseo (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Men wearing socks with sandals really turns me off.Los hombres que llevan calcetines con chanclas me matan totalmente el deseo.
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.).
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.