Meaning

Primary

To Turn Something On

Alternatives

To Switch Something On, To Light Something Up

Word Type

transitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb.

The kanji itself means point so the verb version is something you need to point your finger to do. Picture pointing your finger and pushing a lightswitch to turn something on, in this case the light. You won't be able to switch something on if you can't point your finger.

Reading

つける
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You aren't able to turn the light on with just one finger though, you need to use two (). Either you have really weak fingers, or that's a really strong lightswitch. Either way, you need two fingers to switch on the light.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 火を点ける

    to light a fire

    テレビを点ける

    to turn on the TV

    ライトを点ける

    to turn on the light

Context Sentences

夜は車のヘッドライトを点ける。

I put the car headlights on at night.

今すぐテレビを点けて下さい。

Please turn on the TV immediately.

ラジオが中々点きません。

The radio doesn't get turned on very easily.

Kanji Composition