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"Turn on" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "prender", and "light" is a noun which is often translated as "la luz". Learn more about the difference between "turn on" and "light" below.
turn on(
tuhrn
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. prender (a light or an appliance) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Turn on the lights when you go into the basement.Prende las luces cuando bajes al sótano.
b. abrir (a faucet or water)
I turned the hot water faucet on, but nothing came out.Abrí el grifo del agua caliente, pero no salió nada.
c. encender (a light or an appliance)
Turn on the TV. My favorite show is about to start.Enciende el televisor. Mi programa favorito está a punto de empezar.
d. conectar (electricity)
The supplier hasn't turned on the electricity at our new house yet.El proveedor aún no ha conectado la electricidad en nuestra nueva casa.
2. (colloquial) (to excite)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. gustar
Rock music doesn't turn me on that much; I prefer classical.La música rock no me gusta tanto, prefiero la clásica.
b. prender (colloquial) (sexually)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
It turns me on when my girlfriend kisses my neck.Me prende cuando mi novia me besa el cuello.
c. excitar (sexually)
I always give her a massage to turn her on.Siempre le doy un masaje para excitarla.
d. poner cachondo (colloquial) (sexually) (Mexico) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Spain
Raw oysters never fail to turn them on.Las ostras crudas no fallan en ponerles cachondos.
a. volverse en contra de
When he confessed to stealing their money, his friends turned on him.Cuando confesó al robo de su dinero, sus amigos se volvieron en su contra.
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.).
b. prenderse (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I wake up when the central heating turns on.Me despierto cuando se prende la calefacción central.
5. (legal)
a. depender de
The fate of the defendant turns on the judge's decision.El destino del acusado depende de la decisión del juez.
light(
layt
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
2. (lamp)
a. el semáforo (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
You have to stop at the red light.Te tienes que detener cuando el semáforo está en rojo.
4. (fire)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
After the discussion, I saw him in a new light.Después de la conversación, lo vi con otros ojos.
In light of the recent storm, all public schools will be closed Monday.Debido a la tormenta reciente, todas las escuelas públicas se cerrarán el lunes.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. bajo en calorías
We will use light mayo for the sauce.Utilizaremos mayonesa baja en calorías para la salsa.
b. light
If you want to consume fewer calories, buy light beer.Si quieres consumir menos calorías, compra cerveza light.
7. (not heavy)
a. ligero
He always packs a light suitcase when he travels.Siempre hace una maleta ligera cuando viaja.
b. liviano (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I should've brought a lighter jacket; this one is too warm.Me hubiera traído una chaqueta más liviana; esta es demasiado caliente.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
10. (to illuminate)
a. alumbrar
I lit the way at the camp with a flashlight.Alumbré el camino en el campamento con una linterna.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
11. (to catch fire)
a. encenderse
The fire took long to light because it was very windy.La hoguera tardó en encenderse porque hacía mucho viento.
