Spark up Meaning in English
expression
ˈspɑɹk/ /ˈəp
SPARK-uhp
spˈɑːk/ /ˈʌp
SPAAK-up
Definition
To start something quickly, especially to light a cigarette or to begin a conversation.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; commonly used for lighting cigarettes ('spark up a cigarette') and starting conversations ('spark up a conversation'). Not used in formal writing. Sometimes carries a slightly rebellious or casual tone.
Spanish: encender - iniciar (conversación)Portuguese (BR): acender - puxar assuntoPortuguese (PT): acender - iniciar (conversa)Chinese (Simplified): 点燃 - 开始（谈话）Chinese (Traditional): 點燃 - 開始（談話）Hindi: जला देना - शुरू करना (बातचीत)Arabic: يشعل - يبدأ (حديث)Bengali: জ্বালানো - শুরু করা (আলোচনা)Russian: разжечь - начать (разговор)Japanese: 火をつける - 始める（会話）Vietnamese: châm (lửa) - bắt đầu (cuộc trò chuyện)Korean: 불을 붙이다 - 시작하다 (대화)Turkish: yakmak - başlatmak (sohbet)Urdu: جلانا - شروع کرنا (بات چیت)Indonesian: menyalakan - memulai (pembicaraan)
Example Sentences
He went outside to spark up a cigarette.
basic
They tried to spark up a conversation with the new neighbor.
basic
She likes to spark up when she's stressed.
basic
It’s not always easy to spark up a chat with strangers.
natural
Let’s spark up a fire and tell stories.
natural
He tried to spark up some small talk at the party, but it was awkward.
natural