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How to Say ‘Turned on / attached (polite, past)’ in Japanese

つけました

tsuke mashi ta

[tsoo-keh mah-shee tah]

💬 Usage Tip: [つけました] comes from [つける], which can mean “turn on” (lights) or “attach.” Context decides.

🇯🇵 In Japan: With appliances, [つける] often implies turning something on via the controller. If it’s unclear, add the object: [電源をつけました].

Phrase Breakdown

つけ

tsuke

[tsoo-keh]

turn on; light (stem)

つけ is the stem of つける (to turn on / to light). Used for lights, switches, or igniting a flame.

Example

パイロットをつけてみました。

I tried turning on (lighting) the pilot light.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite verb ending (part)

まし is part of 〜ました (polite past). It makes the statement polite when reporting actions.

Example

もう一度つけましたが、すぐ消えました。

I turned it on again, but it went out right away.

ta

[tah]

past polite ending (part)

た completes ました, indicating the action is finished (I turned it on).

Example

電源をつけました。

I turned on the power.

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