Meaning
To switch on an electric light.
Cultural Background
In France, children are taught from a young age: 'C'est pas Versailles ici !' (It's not Versailles here!). This is a famous phrase parents use when children leave the lights on, referring to the famously well-lit and expensive Palace of Versailles. In Quebec, 'ouvrir la lumière' is extremely common and accepted in casual speech. It stems from the history of electrical circuits being 'opened' or 'closed', but it is often corrected in formal education to 'allumer'. In some West African countries, 'allumer la lumière' might be used for turning on a flashlight (une torche) more frequently than in France, due to frequent power outages where portable light is essential. Belgian French is very close to Hexagonal French in this regard, but you might hear 'allumer le lustre' (light the chandelier) more often in older, traditional homes.
Use it for gadgets too
You can use 'allumer' for your phone, computer, and even your car engine!
Avoid 'Ouvrir'
Unless you are in Quebec, avoid 'ouvrir la lumière'. It marks you as a beginner or a non-native speaker.
Meaning
To switch on an electric light.
Use it for gadgets too
You can use 'allumer' for your phone, computer, and even your car engine!
Avoid 'Ouvrir'
Unless you are in Quebec, avoid 'ouvrir la lumière'. It marks you as a beginner or a non-native speaker.
The 'Mettre' Shortcut
If you forget 'allumer', 'mettre la lumière' is a safe and very natural alternative.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'allumer' in the present tense.
Il fait trop noir, nous ________ la lumière.
The subject is 'nous', so the regular -er verb ending is '-ons'.
Which sentence is the most natural in standard French?
How do you ask someone to turn on the light?
'Allumer la lumière' is the standard collocation. 'Ouvrir' is a regionalism, 'Fais la lumière' is an idiom for clarifying a mystery, and 'Allume le feu' means to start a fire.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: Je ne trouve pas mes lunettes. B: Attends, je vais ________.
If someone can't find their glasses, they need more light to see.
Match the action with the result.
Match the following:
Turning on the light results in being able to see clearly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Allumer vs. Éteindre
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl fait trop noir, nous ________ la lumière.
The subject is 'nous', so the regular -er verb ending is '-ons'.
How do you ask someone to turn on the light?
'Allumer la lumière' is the standard collocation. 'Ouvrir' is a regionalism, 'Fais la lumière' is an idiom for clarifying a mystery, and 'Allume le feu' means to start a fire.
A: Je ne trouve pas mes lunettes. B: Attends, je vais ________.
If someone can't find their glasses, they need more light to see.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Turning on the light results in being able to see clearly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, absolutely. 'Allumer la lampe' is more specific than 'allumer la lumière', which is more general.
No, it is also used for fire, candles, cigarettes, and stoves.
The opposite is 'éteindre' (to turn off/extinguish).
This is a regionalism common in Quebec and some parts of Southern France, likely influenced by the idea of opening a circuit or a tap.
Use 'Pourriez-vous allumer la lumière, s'il vous plaît ?'
In slang, 'allumer quelqu'un' can mean to flirt aggressively or to attack someone, so be careful with the context!
Yes, it is a regular -er verb, making it very easy to conjugate.
Yes, 'allumer lumière' is incorrect. You must say 'allumer LA lumière'.
Yes, if you are turning on multiple lights at once.
It is the light switch you use to 'allumer la lumière'.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for the office or formal meetings.
You say 'La lumière est allumée'.
Yes, 'allumer la lampe torche' is correct.
In very casual speech, you might just say 'La lumière !' while pointing at the switch.
Related Phrases
Éteindre la lumière
contrastTo turn off the light.
Mettre la lumière
similarTo put/turn on the light.
Éclairer
builds onTo illuminate or brighten.
Allumer le feu
specialized formTo light a fire.
