Translation guide
How to express 'switch on' in Japanese, covering electrical devices, engines, and figurative uses.
To activate a light, appliance, or electronic device by using a switch or button.
The most common and general verb for turning on lights, TVs, air conditioners, etc.
電気をつけてください。
Please turn on the light.
テレビをつけたまま寝てしまった。
I fell asleep with the TV on.
Literally 'put in the switch', used for physically flipping a switch. Slightly more formal or technical.
パソコンのスイッチを入れてください。
Please turn on the computer.
Common in casual speech, especially for devices with an 'on/off' state. Often used for computers, game consoles, etc.
エアコンをオンにした。
I turned on the air conditioner.
Formal or technical term for turning on a light or lamp. Often used in written instructions.
ボタンを押すとランプが点灯します。
Press the button and the lamp will light up.
To start a car, motorcycle, or other machine by turning a key or pressing a button.
The standard phrase for starting an engine.
車のエンジンをかけてください。
Please start the car engine.
Can be used for machines with a switch, like a power tool or pump.
ポンプのスイッチを入れた。
I switched on the pump.
To enable a feature, setting, or mode on a device or software.
Common for toggling settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or airplane mode.
Wi-Fiをオンにしてください。
Please turn on Wi-Fi.
Formal or technical term for enabling a function, often seen in software menus.
通知を有効にしました。
I enabled notifications.
To suddenly become attentive, excited, or engaged, as if a switch was flipped.
Idiomatic expression meaning someone's focus or energy suddenly turns on.
彼は試合になるとスイッチが入る。
He switches on when it's game time.
Literally 'the color of one's eyes changes', meaning someone becomes serious or intensely focused.
お金の話になると、彼は目の色が変わる。
He switches on when money is mentioned.
While 'スイッチを入れる' is correct, 'スイッチをつける' is not natural. Use 'つける' directly for the device, or 'スイッチを入れる' for the switch itself.
'つける' is the most natural for everyday appliances. 'オンにする' is common for digital devices and settings, but can sound slightly more casual or technical depending on context.