Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
Cultural Background
Due to high electricity costs, there is a cultural obsession with 'apagar la luz'. It's common to see signs in public buildings reminding people to do so. In many regions, 'apagar la luz' is part of the bedtime ritual where the head of the household ensures everything is 'apagado' for safety and economy. The phrase 'apagar las luces' is also used during birthday celebrations right before the candles on the cake are lit.
The 'G' Rule
Remember the spelling change in the past tense: apagué. Without the 'u', it would sound like 'apajé'.
Regionalisms
If you hear 'cerrar la luz' in Barcelona, it's normal there, but 'apagar' is safer everywhere else.
Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
The 'G' Rule
Remember the spelling change in the past tense: apagué. Without the 'u', it would sound like 'apajé'.
Regionalisms
If you hear 'cerrar la luz' in Barcelona, it's normal there, but 'apagar' is safer everywhere else.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'apagar' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ la luz antes de salir de casa.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb ends in -o.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in the past tense?
Yesterday I turned off the light.
The preterite 'yo' form of -gar verbs requires a 'u' (apagué).
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the basic vocabulary pairs for light states.
Complete the dialogue.
Padre: 'Hijo, hay mucha luz aquí.' Hijo: 'Perdón, ahora mismo _______.'
'Luz' is feminine, so we use 'la'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ la luz antes de salir de casa.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb ends in -o.
Yesterday I turned off the light.
The preterite 'yo' form of -gar verbs requires a 'u' (apagué).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic vocabulary pairs for light states.
Padre: 'Hijo, hay mucha luz aquí.' Hijo: 'Perdón, ahora mismo _______.'
'Luz' is feminine, so we use 'la'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is neutral. It can be used in any context, from a palace to a bedroom.
Yes, 'apagar el ordenador' is the correct way to say 'shut down the computer'.
The opposite is 'encender' (to turn on/ignite).
It's a regional influence from languages like Catalan or Italian where 'close' is used for lights.
It is feminine: 'la luz'.
You say 'Apagar las luces'. Note that 'z' changes to 'c' in the plural.
Related Phrases
Encender la luz
contrastTo turn on the light.
Quedarse a oscuras
builds onTo be left in the dark.
Cortar la luz
similarTo cut the power.
