Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'C'est pas Versailles ici !' is a national meme. It's used by anyone (usually parents or bosses) who thinks too many lights are on, referencing the luxury and waste of the royal court. In Quebec, 'fermer la lumière' is perfectly acceptable and common. It's a great example of how French varies across the Atlantic. In many West African countries, 'couper la lumière' can also refer to the frequent power outages (délestage) that happen in some cities. During the 'Fête des Lumières', the whole city 'éteint les lumières' of the streets to allow the light installations to be the main focus.
The 'GN' Rule
Remember that 'éteindre' gets a 'gn' in the plural: nous éteignons. This is the same pattern as 'plaindre' or 'peindre'.
Avoid 'Fermer'
Unless you are in Montreal, avoid 'fermer la lumière'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
The 'GN' Rule
Remember that 'éteindre' gets a 'gn' in the plural: nous éteignons. This is the same pattern as 'plaindre' or 'peindre'.
Avoid 'Fermer'
Unless you are in Montreal, avoid 'fermer la lumière'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Versailles
Use the 'Versailles' joke with French friends to sound like a native!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'éteindre' in the present tense.
Nous _______ la lumière avant de partir.
For 'nous', the stem of 'éteindre' becomes 'éteign-' and the ending is '-ons'.
Which sentence is correct in standard French (France)?
Comment dit-on 'Turn off the light' ?
'Éteindre' is the standard verb for lights in France.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Il fait trop clair pour dormir. B: D'accord, je vais ________.
If it's too bright (clair) to sleep, you need to turn off the light.
Match the phrase to the reason.
Pourquoi éteindre la lumière ?
You turn off the light to create darkness for sleeping.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
France vs Quebec
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous _______ la lumière avant de partir.
For 'nous', the stem of 'éteindre' becomes 'éteign-' and the ending is '-ons'.
Comment dit-on 'Turn off the light' ?
'Éteindre' is the standard verb for lights in France.
A: Il fait trop clair pour dormir. B: D'accord, je vais ________.
If it's too bright (clair) to sleep, you need to turn off the light.
Pourquoi éteindre la lumière ?
You turn off the light to create darkness for sleeping.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'éteindre l'ordinateur' is the standard way to say 'shut down the computer'.
Yes, it's a third-group verb with a stem change (éteins vs éteignons).
The opposite is 'allumer' (to turn on).
It's a regionalism common in Quebec, influenced by the idea of closing an electrical circuit.
You say 'Les lumières sont éteintes'. Note the feminine plural agreement.
Yes, it's perfectly correct for candles too.
It is 'j'éteins' with an 's'. 'Il éteint' takes a 't'.
In very poetic or slang contexts, it can mean to 'extinguish' a life, but it's rare.
It's called 'l'extinction des feux'.
Say: 'Pourriez-vous éteindre la lumière, s'il vous plaît ?'
Related Phrases
Allumer la lumière
contrastTo turn on the light
Couper le courant
similarTo cut the power
Tamiser la lumière
specialized formTo dim the light
L'extinction des feux
builds onLights out (military/camp)
Mettre en veille
similarTo put on standby
