Apagar vs. extinguir

The Spanish words 'apagar' and 'extinguir' both relate to the act of turning off or putting out, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding these differences can help in using the correct word in various situations.

Apagar

The verb 'apagar' primarily means to turn off an electrical device or to extinguish a light or fire. It is commonly used in everyday situations involving lights, electronics, and small fires.
Apaga la luz antes de salir.
(Turn off the light before leaving.)
Ella apaga su móvil por la noche.
(She turns off her cell phone at night.)
Él apagó el fuego con agua.
(He put out the fire with water.)
Siempre apago el ordenador después de usarlo.
(I always turn off the computer after using it.)

Extinguir

'Extinguir' conveys a more formal sense of putting out, particularly for larger fires or metaphorically for eliminating non-physical things like hope or species. It's often used in official or dramatic contexts.
Los bomberos extinguieron el incendio en tres horas.
(The firefighters extinguished the fire in three hours.)
Debemos trabajar juntos para extinguir la pobreza.
(We must work together to eradicate poverty.)
El científico explicó cómo se extinguieron los dinosaurios.
(The scientist explained how the dinosaurs became extinct.)
La alegría del equipo se extinguió después de perder el partido final.
(The team's joy was extinguished after losing the final match.)

Summary

'Apagar' is typically used for turning off electrical devices, lights, and small fires in everyday contexts. On the other hand, 'extinguir' is used in more formal or serious contexts, such as larger fires, metaphorical uses like eradicating problems, or referring to extinction. Knowing the difference helps in choosing the right word for each situation.