apagar
Lemma Details
Translation: to turn off; to switch off; to extinguish; to put out; to quench; to dim; to smother
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Apagar comes from Latin 'pacare' meaning 'to pacify' or 'to appease', with the prefix 'a-' (from Latin 'ad-' meaning 'to, toward'). The semantic evolution went from 'pacifying' to 'calming down' to 'extinguishing' (as in calming a fire). The English word 'appease' shares the same Latin root, though with different meaning development. The connection helps remember that apagar 'pacifies' or 'appeases' something active by turning it off.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No olvides apagar las luces antes de salir.
Don't forget to turn off the lights before leaving.
Los bomberos apagaron el incendio rápidamente.
The firefighters put out the fire quickly.
Apaga el teléfono durante la película.
Turn off the phone during the movie.
El agua apagó su sed después de correr.
The water quenched his thirst after running.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-PAY-gar' as 'a-PACIFY-er' – you pacify or calm down a device by turning it off.
- Associate with 'appease' – you appease a fire by putting it out.
- Think of 'a pagar' (to pay) – when you're done using something, you 'pay it off' by turning it off.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the verb 'apagar' is commonly used in everyday contexts related to technology, electricity, and fire safety. The expression 'apagar y vámonos' (turn it off and let's go) is used colloquially to indicate giving up on something or ending a situation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'apagar' means 'to turn off', 'pagar' means 'to pay'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Voy a pagar la cuenta.
I'm going to pay the bill.
Notes: The confusion is common among beginners because the words differ by just one letter at the beginning.
Mnemonic: Remember: apagar has an extra 'a' at the beginning – think of it as the 'a' button you press to turn something off.
Explanation: 'Apagar' (to turn off) differs from 'apegar' (to attach or become attached to) by just one letter, but they have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Es fácil apegarse a las cosas materiales.
It's easy to become attached to material things.
Notes: Apegar is less common than apagar, but the similarity can cause confusion.
Mnemonic: For 'apegar', think 'peg' – like pegging or attaching something.