Turn on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtɝn/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

TURN-on

UK

tˈɜːn/ /ˈɒn

TURN-on

Definition

To cause a machine, device, or light to start working by switching it from off to on. It can also mean to make someone feel sexually or emotionally excited.

Usage & Nuances

Informal phrasal verb; most common with technology or lights ('turn on the TV'). As slang, 'turn on' someone means to sexually excite them; context clarifies meaning. 'Turn on' rarely means to become enthusiastic (e.g., 'turned on to science'). Avoid confusing with 'turn off' (opposite).

• Spanish: encender - prender - excitar (sexualmente)
• Portuguese (BR): ligar - acender - excitar (sexualmente)
• Portuguese (PT): ligar - acender - excitar (sexualmente)
• Chinese (Simplified): 打开 - 使兴奋 (性)
• Chinese (Traditional): 打開 - 使興奮 (性)
• Hindi: चालू करना - उत्तेजित करना (यौन रूप से)
• Arabic: يُشغِّل - يثير (جنسياً)
• Bengali: চালু করা - জ্বালানো - উত্তেজিত করা (শারীরিক/মানসিক)
• Russian: включить - возбуждать (сексуально/эмоционально)
• Japanese: つける - 興奮させる
• Vietnamese: bật - kích thích (tình dục/cảm xúc)
• Korean: 켜다 - 흥분시키다
• Turkish: açmak - tahrik etmek
• Urdu: چلانا - روشن کرنا - جوش دلانا
• Indonesian: bật - kích thích (tình dục/cảm xúc)

Example Sentences

Can you turn on the light?

basic

Please turn on the computer.

basic

He turned on the radio to listen to the news.

basic

Loud music really turns me on at parties.

natural

She knows how to turn on the charm to get what she wants.

natural

I always forget to turn on the dishwasher after dinner.

natural