What does it mean word for word?
The phrase baja la voz literally translates to 'lower the voice'.
Which one should you use?
baja la voz refers specifically to a person's speaking volume, whereas baja el volumen is used when referring to the sound coming from an electronic device.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form baja la voz uses the informal imperative, which is used when speaking to a friend, a child or someone you know well. To be polite or formal with a single person, use baje la voz. If you are addressing a group of people, you should use the plural imperative bajen la voz.
When do people say it?
To maintain order in places such as theaters, cinemas or classrooms, speakers often use the phrase Silencio, por favor. Other useful variations include Por favor, hable más bajo and Podrían hacer menos ruido, por favor.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking someone to baja la voz can be perceived as more confrontational than in English, often implying the person is shouting or acting inappropriately.
- The verb bajar in baja la voz is used for any downward movement, meaning you use the same root word to tell someone to lower a window, descend a staircase or decrease a price.
- While baja la voz asks for a lower volume, the word voz can also refer to a vote or a legal right to speak in a formal assembly.
Examples in context
- Por favor, hable más bajo. Estamos en un entorno profesionalPlease speak lower. We are in a professional environment
- Oye, baja el volumen del estéreo, por favorHey, lower the stereo volume, please
- ¡Baja la voz! El bebé está durmiendo.Keep it down! The baby is sleeping.
- Por favor, baja la voz.Please, keep your voice down.
- Baja la voz, que el bebé duerme.Keep it down, the baby is sleeping.
- Si estás en la biblioteca, baja la voz.If you are in the library, keep your voice down.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in a quiet movie theater.
- SofíaAlejandro, baja la voz, por favor.Alejandro, keep your voice down, please.
- AlejandroLo siento, Sofía, no me di cuenta.I am sorry, Sofía, I didn't realize.
- SofíaEs que hay mucha gente aquí.It is just that there are many people here.
- AlejandroEstá bien, hablaré más bajo.Alright, I will speak more quietly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
