bajo
/ˈbaxo/masculine
The English phrase "bass guitar" is translated into Spanish as bajo. Wiktionary also lists guitarra baja and bajo eléctrico.
Meaning: electric stringed instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bajo | /ˈbaxo/ | masculine |
| guitarra baja | /ɡitara baxa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| bajo eléctrico | /baxo eleɡtɾiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to the electric stringed instrument.
Which one should you use?
bajo eléctrico is the more precise term used to distinguish the electric instrument from the double bass (contrabass). guitarra baja is also a form used to describe the instrument.
How does it change in a sentence?
When talking about playing the instrument, use the definite article el before bajo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaxo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the literal translation guitarra de bajo. bajo is the standard term.
Did you know?
- The word guitarra has a long history of being borrowed from Arabic, reflecting the historical influence of Moorish culture in the Iberian Peninsula.
- The word bajo can also refer to the basement of a building, meaning the 'low' floor.
- While 'bass' in English can refer to a fish or a musical range, the Spanish term bajo for the instrument is strictly related to the musical or physical concept of 'low'.
Examples in context
- Él toca el bajo.He plays bass guitar.This sentence is useful for stating that someone plays the bajo.Tatoeba #2571582 by marcelostockle, translation #2571543 by Hybrid
- Tom toca el bajo en nuestra banda.Tom plays the bass guitar in our band.This sentence is useful for specifying that someone plays the bajo within a band.Tatoeba #2571581 by marcelostockle, translation #2571551 by CK
- Los bajos eléctricos son indispensables en cualquier banda de música moderna.Electric bass guitars are essential in any modern music band.
- Ese bajo tiene un sonido increíble.That bass has an incredible sound.
- Necesito comprar un bajo nuevo.I need to buy a new bass guitar.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in a music store.
- Daniel¿Te gusta ese bajo?Do you like that bass guitar?
- SofíaSí, es muy bonito.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- DanielEs un poco caro.It is a little expensive.
- SofíaPero suena increíble.But it sounds incredible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bass guitar” translations and entries bajo, bajo eléctrico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baja, bajo, eléctrico, guitarra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
