zapalili

In a sentence

• Wieczorem zapalili świeczki na tarasie.

  In the evening, they lit candles on the terrace.

  Here, 'zapalili' is used as the past tense of 'zapalili' referring to the action of lighting candles.

• Kiedy zapalili światło, zobaczyli niespodziankę.

  When they turned on the light, they saw a surprise.

  In this case, 'zapalili' indicates the act of switching on the light.

• Zapalili ognisko na biwaku, by się ogrzać.

  They lit a campfire at the campsite to stay warm.

  Here, 'zapalili' describes the lighting of a campfire for warmth.