Meaning
A request to switch on the electricity.
Cultural Background
Romanians are very sensitive to 'curent' (drafts), but also to 'întuneric' (darkness). Sitting in a dark room is often seen as depressing or unhealthy. Due to historical power outages, older Romanians might be very frugal with light, often preferring a single small lamp over big ceiling lights. Light is central to religious life. During Easter, the phrase 'Veniți de luați lumină' (Come take the light) is iconic, using the same root. Smart homes are popular, and people now say 'Aprinde lumina' to Alexa or Google Assistant in Romanian.
Be Polite
Always add 'te rog' (please) when using the imperative 'aprinde', otherwise it can sound like a harsh command.
The 'Open' Trap
Never say 'deschide lumina'. Even if people understand you, it marks you as a beginner making a classic mistake.
Meaning
A request to switch on the electricity.
Be Polite
Always add 'te rog' (please) when using the imperative 'aprinde', otherwise it can sound like a harsh command.
The 'Open' Trap
Never say 'deschide lumina'. Even if people understand you, it marks you as a beginner making a classic mistake.
Use the Pronoun
If someone asks 'Unde e lumina?', you can just say 'Aprinde-o!' (Turn it on!) to sound more native.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb for turning on the light in a neutral setting.
Te rog, _______ lumina.
'Aprinde' is the standard verb for lights in Romanian.
Fill in the formal form of the verb 'a aprinde'.
Domnule, vă rog _________ lumina în sală.
The plural/polite form is 'aprindeți'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a dark room with your brother.
Use the informal singular for a sibling.
Complete the dialogue.
A: E prea întuneric aici. B: Ai dreptate. ______ ______.
The context of darkness requires turning on the light.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What to 'Aprinde' vs What to 'Deschide'
Aprinde (Ignite)
- • Lumina
- • Focul
- • Țigara
- • Farurile
Deschide (Open/Turn on)
- • Televizorul
- • Laptopul
- • Ușa
- • Fereastra
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTe rog, _______ lumina.
'Aprinde' is the standard verb for lights in Romanian.
Domnule, vă rog _________ lumina în sală.
The plural/polite form is 'aprindeți'.
You are in a dark room with your brother.
Use the informal singular for a sibling.
A: E prea întuneric aici. B: Ai dreptate. ______ ______.
The context of darkness requires turning on the light.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, for a TV use 'deschide' or 'pornește'. 'Aprinde' is only for the light itself.
It is neutral. To make it formal, use the plural form: 'aprindeți lumina'.
The opposite is 'stinge' (to extinguish/turn off).
It's a common colloquialism, similar to 'turn on' but more like 'let the light flow'.
Yes, it means 'turn on the bulb' and is very common and natural.
Historically yes, but today it is the standard word for electrical lights too.
You say 'Lumina este aprinsă'.
It is 'aprinde lumina'. 'Aprinde-ți' would mean 'ignite for yourself', which is rare.
Yes, 'aprinde farurile' is the correct way to say turn on the headlights.
You still 'aprinde' it first, then you 'dai lumina mai tare/încet'.
It's understood but sounds like a bad translation from English. Avoid it.
Yes, 'a aprinde pasiunea' (to ignite passion) is a common romantic metaphor.
Cine a aprins lumina?
A very casual way is 'Dă-i scânteie' (Give it a spark), but it's very rare for lights.
Related Phrases
Stinge lumina
contrastTurn off the light
Dă drumul la lumină
similarLet the light go / Turn on the light
A face lumină
specialized formTo shed light / To clarify
Aprinde becul
similarTurn on the bulb
Lumină naturală
builds onNatural light
