Significado
To switch off an electric light.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, leaving the light on in an empty room is often met with the phrase 'A Light não é minha parente' (The Light company isn't my relative), emphasizing the cost of electricity. In Portugal, 'apagar a luz' is slightly more common in traditional households, while 'desligar' is seen as more modern or technical. In regions with frequent power outages, 'desligar a luz' might refer to the government cutting power to a neighborhood (load shedding). Earth Hour (Hora do Planeta) is a major event where people are encouraged to 'desligar as luzes' for one hour to support the environment.
Use 'Apagar' too
Don't be afraid to use 'apagar a luz'. It sounds very natural and native.
No 'Fechar'
Never say 'fechar a luz'. It's the most common giveaway that you are a beginner.
Significado
To switch off an electric light.
Use 'Apagar' too
Don't be afraid to use 'apagar a luz'. It sounds very natural and native.
No 'Fechar'
Never say 'fechar a luz'. It's the most common giveaway that you are a beginner.
Spelling Check
Remember the 'u' in 'desliguei' for your writing exams!
Energy Saving
Mentioning energy saving (economizar energia) is a great way to expand a conversation about this phrase.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'desligar' in the present tense.
Eu sempre _______ a luz antes de dormir.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'desligar' ends in '-o'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you ask someone to turn off the light politely?
'Desligar' is the correct verb for electrical lights. 'Fechar' is for doors.
Match the action with the correct verb.
Match the items:
Electrical items use 'desligar', fire uses 'apagar', and physical barriers use 'fechar'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Está muito claro aqui para dormir. B: Desculpe, eu vou _________.
If it's too bright (claro), you need to turn off the light.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Desligar vs. Apagar
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEu sempre _______ a luz antes de dormir.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'desligar' ends in '-o'.
How do you ask someone to turn off the light politely?
'Desligar' is the correct verb for electrical lights. 'Fechar' is for doors.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Electrical items use 'desligar', fire uses 'apagar', and physical barriers use 'fechar'.
A: Está muito claro aqui para dormir. B: Desculpe, eu vou _________.
If it's too bright (claro), you need to turn off the light.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'desligar' is only for electrical devices. For a candle, use 'apagar'.
It depends on the region, but both are equally understood. 'Apagar' is very common in casual speech.
You can say 'ligar a luz' or 'acender a luz'.
Because 'fechar' implies a physical closure of an opening (like a door), which doesn't apply to electricity in Portuguese.
For 'I', it is 'eu desliguei'. For 'you/he/she', it is 'você desligou'.
Yes, if the context of the light is clear, you can just say 'Desliga!'.
It is feminine: 'a luz'.
It is 'as luzes'.
Yes, it is standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
It usually means the power company cut off the electricity supply due to non-payment.
Frases relacionadas
Ligar a luz
contrastTo turn on the light
Apagar a luz
synonymTo turn off/extinguish the light
Ficar no escuro
builds onTo stay in the dark
Economizar energia
similarTo save energy
Queda de luz
specialized formPower outage
