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"Switch on" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "encender", and "put on" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "ponerse". Learn more about the difference between "switch on" and "put on" below.
switch on(
swihch
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. encender
it's so dark in here. Can you switch on a light?Está tan oscuro aquí. ¿Puedes encender una luz?
b. prender (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I can't believe you forgot to switch on the dishwasher!¡No puedo creer que te olvidaras de prender el lavaplatos!
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. encenderse
It was really uncomfortable in that room until the air conditioning switched on.Esa habitación estaba muy poco confortable hasta que se encendió el aire acondicionado.
b. prenderse (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Do you know if the thermostat has switched on yet?¿Sabes si el termostato se ha prendido?
c. ponerse
If you set the clock, the TV switches on automatically at the selected time.Si configuras el reloj, la TV se pone automáticamente a la hora seleccionada.
put on(
poot
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. ponerse
You need to put on your clothes because it's almost time to go to school.Debes ponerte la ropa porque ya casi es hora de irnos a la escuela.
3. (to turn on)
b. poner (movie, music, television)
I am going to put on a relaxing song and go to sleep.Voy a poner una canción relajante y dormirme.
7. (to assume)
a. adoptar
She likes to put on an English accent when she's visiting London.Le gusta adoptar el acento inglés cuando está de visita en Londres.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. prescribir
She was put on antidepressants for a couple of months.Le prescribieron antidepresivos por un par de meses.
