These verbs describe different actions that often occur when leaving a room or ending work.
The idea
Use apagar la luz to turn off a light and cerrar la puerta to close a door; cerrar can also describe closing a program.
Examples
- Apaga la luz al salir.Turn off the light when leaving.
- Cierra la puerta, por favor.Close the door, please.
- Apago el ordenador por la noche.I turn off the computer at night.
- Cerramos las ventanas antes de irnos.We close the windows before leaving.
- ¿Puedes apagar la impresora?Can you turn off the printer?
- Ella cierra el programa.She closes the program.
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Watch out
Apagar also applies to extinguishing a flame, and cerrar has other uses; choose the verb according to the action and object.
Try it yourself
Choose the verb for turning off the light. ___ la luz al salir. (Apaga / Cierra)
Show answer or example answer
Apaga
Apaga turns off the light.
Choose the verb for closing the door. ___ la puerta, por favor. (Cierra / Apaga)
Show answer or example answer
Cierra
Cierra closes the door.
Choose the infinitive for switching off the printer. ¿Puedes ___ la impresora? (apagar / cerrar)
Show answer or example answer
apagar
Apagar switches off the printer.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the verb for turning off the light. ___ la luz al salir. (Apaga / Cierra)
Choose the verb for closing the door. ___ la puerta, por favor. (Cierra / Apaga)
Choose the infinitive for switching off the printer. ¿Puedes ___ la impresora? (apagar / cerrar)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Choose the verb for switching off a device or closing a physical opening or program.