Meaning
Activating a light source.
Cultural Background
Croatians are very conscious of 'skupa struja' (expensive electricity) during the day. Turning off lights is a sign of a well-run household. In coastal regions, the dialect word 'užge' (from 'užgati') is sometimes used instead of 'upali', especially by older generations. In modern apartments, 'pametna rasvjeta' (smart lighting) is becoming popular, but the phrase 'upali svjetlo' remains the standard command for AI. Across the region, 'upaliti' is used for lights, cigarettes, and cars, showing a shared linguistic heritage of 'ignition'.
The Switch Rule
If it has a switch and produces light, use 'upaliti'.
No 'Open'!
Never say 'otvori svjetlo'. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
Activating a light source.
The Switch Rule
If it has a switch and produces light, use 'upaliti'.
No 'Open'!
Never say 'otvori svjetlo'. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
Plural for Cars
When talking about cars, always use the plural: 'Upali svjetla'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'upaliti'.
Ja ______ svjetlo u sobi.
The first person singular of 'upaliti' is 'upalim'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you ask someone to turn on the light?
'Upaliti' is the correct verb for lights; 'otvoriti' is for doors.
Match the Croatian phrase with its English translation.
1. Upali svjetlo. 2. Ugasi svjetlo. 3. Upali svjetla na autu.
'Upali' is on, 'Ugasi' is off.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ništa ne vidim. B: Dobro, ______ ću svjetlo.
If you can't see, you need to turn the light ON.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you 'upališ'
Devices
- • svjetlo
- • kompjuter
- • televizor
- • radio
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJa ______ svjetlo u sobi.
The first person singular of 'upaliti' is 'upalim'.
How do you ask someone to turn on the light?
'Upaliti' is the correct verb for lights; 'otvoriti' is for doors.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Upali' is on, 'Ugasi' is off.
A: Ništa ne vidim. B: Dobro, ______ ću svjetlo.
If you can't see, you need to turn the light ON.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'upaliti kompjuter' is very common and correct.
Yes, in a technical manual, 'uključiti' is preferred, but 'upaliti' is not wrong.
The opposite is 'ugasiti' (to turn off/extinguish).
It's a linguistic leftover from the time of candles and oil lamps.
Yes, it is the standard way to say 'turn on the TV'.
It is neuter. 'Ovo svjetlo je jako.'
In context (pointing at a switch), just 'Upali!' is enough.
You say 'Svjetlo je upaljeno'.
Only metaphorically, meaning to 'fire them up' or excite them, but it's slangy.
'Svjetlo' is the lamp/source; 'svjetlost' is the abstract concept of light.
Related Phrases
ugasiti svjetlo
contrastTo turn off the light
uključiti svjetlo
similarTo switch on the light
upaliti auto
builds onTo start the car
svjetlo dana
specialized formDaylight
