Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| descargar | /deskaɾˈɡaɾ/ |
| bajar | /baˈxaɾ/ |
| bajar cibernéticamente | /baxaɾ θibeɾnetikamente/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /baxaɾ sibeɾnetikamente/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| ciberbajar | /θibeɾbaxaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /sibeɾbaxaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The term refers to the process of transferring data from a remote computer to a local one. While descargar is the standard term, related nouns like descarga, transferencia directa and bajada can be used to describe the file transfer itself.
Which one should you use?
descargar is the standard and most precise term for downloading data. In contrast, bajar is a colloquial way to express the same idea. It literally means 'to go down' or 'to lower'. Other specialized terms include bajar cibernéticamente and ciberbajar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the form bajarse is used as a common alternative for descargar or descargarse.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express downloading something for one's own use or onto one's own device, you can use the reflexive form descargarse. This involves adding the reflexive pronoun 'se' to the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/deskaɾˈɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the same verb descargar can also mean 'to discharge' a weapon or 'to vent' one's anger.
- The word descargar comes from the Latin word carrus, which refers to a wheeled vehicle or cart. Originally, the verb meant to unload cargo from a cart.
Examples in context
- Creo que deberías descargarte esta aplicación.I think you should download this app.This sentence uses descargar to suggest downloading an application.Tatoeba #6541997 by HAYACH, translation #6542006 by HAYACH
- ¿Dónde puedo descargar películas de acción gratis?Where can I download action movies for free?This sentence uses descargar to ask about downloading movies.Tatoeba #1432072 by hayastan, translation #1009925 by cruzedu73
- ¿Sabes de alguna forma para bajarte los vídeos de YouTube?Do you know a way to download Youtube videos?This sentence uses bajar to ask about downloading videos.Tatoeba #986592 by Shishir, translation #7811770 by Goatstein
- Para obtener el documento, debe hacer clic en el enlace de descarga.To get the document, you must click on the download link.
- Puedes bajar el archivo desde la página web oficial.You can download the file from the official website.
- ¿Puedes bajar esa aplicación en tu teléfono?Can you download that app on your phone?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is helping María with her new laptop.
- María¿Cómo puedo descargar este libro?How can I download this book?
- MateoSolo tienes que hacer clic en el enlace.You just have to click on the link.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, eres muy amable.Thanks, Mateo, you are very kind.
- MateoDe nada, María, dime si necesitas algo más.You're welcome, María, tell me if you need anything else.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “download” translations and entries descargar, bajar, 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 bajar, cibernéticamente, descargar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
