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Spanish Phrase

Desenchúfalo por 30 segundos.

/de̞senˈt͡ʃu.fa.lo poɾ ˈtɾe̞nta ˈse.ɣun.dos/
Meaning"Unplug it for 30 seconds."
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Meaning

‘Unplug it for 30 seconds.’ The speaker is giving a short, informal command to disconnect a device (e.g., a router, a TV) for exactly half a minute. The tone is casual and assumes familiarity with the listener.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you are troubleshooting electronics, resetting a gadget, or simply need to turn something off briefly. It works best in informal settings with friends, family, or coworkers you address with tú.

Grammar Breakdown

Desenchúfalopor30segundos.

1

Imperative + Direct Object Pronoun

Desenchúfalo is the affirmative tú‑imperative of the verb desenchufar with the attached direct object pronoun lo, meaning ‘unplug it’.

2

Por + Time Expression

The preposition por introduces a duration (por 30 segundos) and is the usual way to say ‘for 30 seconds’ in Spanish.

3

Number Agreement

When a numeral is used as a time expression, the noun stays in plural (segundos) even if the number is exact.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿El router sigue sin señal?

Is the router still without signal?

Desenchúfalo por 30 segundos y vuelve a conectarlo.

Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

B

Common Mistakes

  • Desenchúfalo a 30 segundos.

    The preposition a is incorrect; use por to indicate duration.

  • Desenchúfalo por 30 segundo.

    The noun must stay plural (segundos) after a numeral.

  • Desenchúfalo usted por 30 segundos.

    Mixing the informal tú‑imperative with the formal pronoun usted is inconsistent; use ‘Desenchúfelo’ for usted.

Alternatives

  • Apágalo durante 30 segundos.

    Turn it off for 30 seconds.

  • Desconéctalo por medio minuto.

    Disconnect it for half a minute.

  • Sácalo de la corriente durante 30 segundos.

    Take it out of the power outlet for 30 seconds.

es

Cultural Tip

In most Spanish‑speaking countries the verb desenchufar is the go‑to word for ‘unplug’. It is more common than ‘desconectar’ when you are talking about pulling a plug from a wall socket. The imperative form with the attached pronoun (desenchúfalo) is informal; for a formal command you would say ‘Desenchúfelo’ (usted).