“To turn on” in Japanese is つける, pronounced tsukeru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To switch on lights, TV or air conditioning. Its opposite is 消す.
Example sentences
- 電気をつけてください。でんきをつけてください。Please turn on the light.
- エアコンをつけましょうか。エアコンをつけましょうか。Shall I turn on the air conditioner?
Conjugation
The most useful forms of つける. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | つける | turn on |
| Polite present | つけます | turn on |
| Polite negative | つけません | don’t turn on |
| Polite past | つけました | past of “turn on” |
| Plain negative (ない) | つけない | don’t turn on (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | つけた | past of “turn on” (casual) |
| て-form | つけて | turn on and… / please turn on (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | つけたい | want to turn on |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to turn on in Japanese?
To turn on in Japanese is つける, pronounced “tsukeru”.
Is つける on the JLPT?
Yes. つける (tsukeru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.