Italian Phrase
Te lo prendo.
Meaning
Literally ‘I turn it on for you’ or ‘I take it for you’. The exact meaning depends on context: with devices it means ‘I’ll turn it on for you’, while in informal speech it can mean ‘I’ll take it for you’. The pronouns ‘te’ (to you) and ‘lo’ (it) are combined before the verb.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to offer to turn on a light, TV, computer, or any device for someone, or when you’re taking something on someone’s behalf in a casual setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Teloprendo
Indirect object pronoun (te)
Indicates that the action is directed toward or benefits the listener (2nd person singular).
Direct object pronoun (lo)
Replaces a masculine singular noun that is the direct object of the verb.
Verb ‘prender’ (present 1st person singular)
Means ‘to turn on’, ‘to light’, or colloquially ‘to take’ depending on context; conjugated as ‘prendo’ for ‘yo’.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedes encender la lámpara?
Can you turn on the lamp?
Claro, te lo prendo.
Sure, I’ll turn it on for you.
✕Common Mistakes
Te lo prende.
The verb must agree with the subject ‘yo’; the correct form is ‘prendo’.
Te lo prendí.
Use the present tense for an immediate offer; ‘prendí’ is past tense.
Te lo prendo a ti.
The indirect pronoun already indicates ‘to you’; adding ‘a ti’ is redundant.
↔Alternatives
Lo enciendo para ti.
I’ll turn it on for you.
Te lo pongo.
I’ll put it for you.
Te lo llevo.
I’ll take it for you.
Cultural Tip
In Spain people usually say ‘encender’ for lights and appliances, while many Latin American countries prefer ‘prender’. Both are understood, but using the local verb can make you sound more natural. Also, remember that the double‑pronoun order is always indirect object + direct object (te lo, me la, etc.).