How to say “The light is not working” in Spanish

Introduction

This article explains how to say the phrase the light is not working in Spanish. You will learn several natural ways to express a light bulb, lamp, or fixture not functioning, plus useful vocabulary, variations for different contexts, and short sample dialogues to help you sound like a native speaker.

Common ways to say the light is not working

There are a few straightforward expressions to report that a light is not functioning. Each option has a slightly different tone or emphasis, so choose the one that best fits your situation.

Basic, neutral phrasing

La luz no funciona is the most direct and common way to say the light is not working. Use this in most everyday situations, such as telling a roommate, a colleague, or a landlord.

Example:
La luz no funciona en la cocina.

Usage note: This phrase is neutral and versatile. It works for ceiling lights, lamps, streetlights, and any general lighting fixture.

Saying the light is out or the bulb is burned out

If you want to specify that the bulb itself is the problem, use La bombilla se ha fundido or La bombilla está fundida. Bombilla specifically refers to the light bulb.

Example:
La bombilla está fundida, ¿puedes cambiarla?

Usage note: In many regions speakers prefer bombilla, but in some countries foco or lámpara might be more common for light bulb or lamp respectively. Use context to decide which noun feels natural for the audience.

Informal ways to report a failure

Colloquial speakers may say Se fue la luz to mean the power or light went out. This is often used when electricity fails across a room or neighborhood.

Example:
Se fue la luz en todo el edificio.

Usage note: Se fue la luz commonly implies a power outage rather than a single bulb failing. If the whole house lost power, this is a natural choice.

Vocabulary to know

Understanding the relevant words helps you choose the right sentence.

Key nouns and verbs

La luz — the light (general term for illumination)
La bombilla — the bulb (used in Spain and many places)
El foco — light bulb or spotlight (common in Latin America)
La lámpara — lamp (floor lamp, table lamp, or fixture)
Funcionar — to work, to function
Fundirse — for a bulb to burn out or fuse (reflexive commonly used)

Useful adjectives and phrases

Roto/roto or estropeado — broken or damaged (use with fixtures)
Apagado — off (used if a switch is simply off)
Sin electricidad — without electricity

Polite and practical ways to ask for help

When you need assistance with a light that is not working, use polite language for neighbors, landlords, or staff.

Reporting and asking for help

La luz no funciona, ¿puedes revisarla por favor? is a polite way to ask someone to check the light.

Example:
La luz no funciona, ¿puedes revisarla por favor?

Usage note: Adding por favor makes the request polite. You can also say ¿me ayudas? instead of ¿puedes revisarla? for a friendlier tone.

When contacting a building manager or landlord

Hay un problema con la iluminación is a slightly more formal way to report an issue with lighting in a building.

Example:
Hay un problema con la iluminación en la oficina 3B. La luz no funciona desde ayer.

Usage note: This phrasing is appropriate for emails, messages, or formal complaints.

Short dialogues for everyday situations

These short dialogues show how Spanish speakers naturally report a light not working. Note the use of different verbs and tone depending on the setting.

At home

Conversation:
Persona A: La luz no funciona en la sala.
Persona B: ¿Está apagada la lámpara o se fue la luz?
Persona A: Creo que la bombilla está fundida.

Usage note: This exchange shows how speakers clarify whether the fixture is off, the bulb is burned out, or there is a power outage.

In an apartment building

Conversation:
Vecino: Se fue la luz en el pasillo.
Conserje: Voy a revisar el cuadro eléctrico ahora mismo.

Usage note: When an entire hallway or building loses power, mention cuadro eléctrico (electrical panel) to indicate the likely source of the problem.

At work

Conversation:
Empleado: La luz no funciona en la sala de reuniones.
Recepción: Gracias por avisar. Enviaremos a mantenimiento.

Usage note: In professional settings, a formal report or email with a sentence like La luz no funciona en la sala de reuniones is common.

Variations by region and register

Spanish varies by country, so you may hear regional expressions. Learn a few alternatives to sound natural in different places.

Spain

Common terms: bombilla, luz, se ha fundido. People often say Se ha fundido la bombilla when a bulb burns out.

Latin America

Common terms: foco (instead of bombilla), luz, and se fue la luz for power outages. In some countries, lámpara can be used more broadly for fixtures.

Formal vs informal

Informal: La luz no funciona, Se fue la luz.
Formal: Hay un problema con la iluminación, La iluminación no está funcionando (a slightly more technical phrasing).

How to explain the cause

If you want to add details about why the light is not working, here are useful constructions.

The bulb burned out

Say La bombilla está fundida or Se ha fundido la bombilla to indicate the bulb is burned out.

The switch is off or broken

To say the switch is off, use El interruptor está apagado. If the switch is broken, use El interruptor está roto or está estropeado.

There is no power

For a power outage, say Hay un corte de luz or Se fue la luz.

Fixture is broken

If the fixture itself is damaged, use La lámpara está rota or El foco está estropeado. These point to a physical problem beyond just a bulb.

Practical tips for learners

Keep these quick tips in mind when using the phrases in real life.

Tip 1: Match the noun to the object

Choose bombilla, foco, or lámpara depending on the object you are describing. If unsure, luz is always safe and understood.

Tip 2: Use verb agreement and tense correctly

For describing a current problem, use present tense: La luz no funciona. For a completed change like a bulb burning out, use present perfect or present: Se ha fundido la bombilla or La bombilla está fundida.

Tip 3: Add context to be helpful

When reporting the issue to someone who can fix it, include location and any details: room, time it stopped working, and whether other outlets have power. Example:
La luz no funciona en la cocina desde esta mañana. Los enchufes sí tienen electricidad.

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these frequent learner errors so your phrasing sounds natural.

Mistake 1: Literal translation

Avoid directly translating the English structure the light is not working word for word into Spanish in awkward ways. Stick with natural verbs like funcionar, ir(se) for outages, or fundirse for bulbs.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong noun for bulb vs fixture

Bombilla, foco, and lámpara are not always interchangeable. If you mean a small replaceable bulb, use bombilla or foco. For a whole lamp or fixture, use lámpara or describe the fixture directly.

Mistake 3: Overcomplicating the sentence

Keep it simple and direct. For a broken light, La luz no funciona or La bombilla está fundida are clear and preferred in most situations.

Additional natural phrases and follow-ups

Here are a few handy follow-up sentences you may need when dealing with a non-working light.

¿Puedes cambiar la bombilla? — Can you change the bulb?
Llámame cuando hayas revisado la luz — Call me when you have checked the light.
¿La luz se apagó de repente? — Did the light go off suddenly?
Hay un olor a quemado cuando enciendo la luz — There is a burning smell when I turn on the light (important to report to maintenance).

Conclusion

Knowing how to say the light is not working in Spanish helps in many everyday situations. Use La luz no funciona for a general report, La bombilla está fundida for a burned-out bulb, and Se fue la luz for a power outage. Add polite phrases and location details to make your communication effective and natural.