bájalo
/baxalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "put it down" is translated into Spanish as bájalo.
Bájalo is used when you want someone to move an object from a high position to a lower one or to set it on a surface. If you specifically want to tell someone to place an object on the floor, the formal way to express this is Colocarlo en el suelo. If you want someone to release their grip or let go of an object, you can say Suelta eso.
Which one should you use?
While bájalo specifically implies moving an object from a high position to a lower one, the phrase déjalo is used if you mean "leave it where it is" or "let it be".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the gender of the object you are referring to. If the object being put down is a feminine noun, such as la maleta (the suitcase), you use bájala instead of bájalo.
How do you pronounce it?
/baxalo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, using the phrase bájale is a common way to tell someone to 'tone it down' or 'calm down' during a heated argument.
- If you are telling someone to 'put it down' in the sense of 'lower the volume' of music, you would use bájale instead of bájalo.
- When asking a person to 'get down' from a ladder, Spanish switches to the reflexive form bájate rather than using the transitive bájalo.
Examples in context
- Bájalo.Put it down.This sentence shows the command bájalo used on its own.Tatoeba #1306035 by marcelostockle, translation #41863 by CK
- Bájalo, Tom.Put it down, Tom.This sentence shows the command bájalo used when addressing someone named Tom.Tatoeba #2869463 by cueyayotl, translation #2648766 by CK
- Por favor, ponga el libro abajo.Please put the book down.
- Sería amable si pudiera colocar el objeto en el suelo.It would be kind if you could place the object on the floor.
- Juan, deja el celular y presta atención a la reunión.Juan, put the phone down and pay attention to the meeting.
- ¡Suelta eso de inmediato!Put that down immediately!
Example conversation
Alejandro sees Maria holding a heavy box high in the air.
- AlejandroEso se ve muy pesado, bájalo.That looks very heavy, put it down.
- MaríaEstá bien, lo pondré aquí.Okay, I will put it here.
- AlejandroBájalo despacio para no romperlo.Put it down slowly so you don't break it.
- MaríaYa está en el suelo.It is already on the floor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
