bajo
/ˈbaxo/
The Spanish word for "low" is bajo.
The adjective bajo can be used to describe something's physical height, level or position. Note that when describing a person's height, bajo is translated as "short" rather than "low" in English.
Meaning: small in height (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bajo is the standard term, you may use bajito for an informal tone or the phrase de poca altura to be more formal and descriptive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use baja for feminine nouns, bajos for masculine plural nouns and bajas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- When used as a noun in a nautical context, bajo refers to a 'shoal' or a shallow area of the sea.
- The word bajo is a cognate of the English words 'base' and 'bass', as both derive from the Late Latin bassus.
- To describe someone speaking in a low volume, Spanish speakers use hablar bajo, whereas English speakers often say 'speak softly'.
Examples in context
- Es un golpe bajo.That's a low blow.This sentence is useful for seeing how bajo is used in the idiom "a low blow".Tatoeba #2114421 by Shishir, translation #2077773 by Spamster
- Eso es caer muy bajo.That is very low.This sentence shows the use of bajo to describe a low level or state.Tatoeba #7355960 by Shishir, translation #10115699 by espamatics
- El avión voló muy bajo.The airplane flew very low.This sentence demonstrates using bajo to describe a physical position or altitude.Tatoeba #973043 by hayastan, translation #318086 by CK
- El volumen de la música está muy bajo.The volume of the music is very low.
- Los árboles de esta región son de poca altura.The trees in this region are low.
- Por favor, habla un poco más bajito. Me duele la cabeza.Please speak a bit lower. I have a headache.
- José es bajo de estatura, pero tiene gran personalidad.José is short in stature, but he has a great personality.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a piece of furniture in a store.
- MaríaEste sofá es muy bajo.This sofa is very low.
- AlejandroSí, es demasiado bajo para mí.Yes, it is too low for me.
- MaríaBusquemos uno que sea más alto.Let's look for one that is higher.
- AlejandroDe acuerdo, María.Agreed, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bajo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
