bajo
/ˈbaxo/
The English phrase 'under' can be translated into Spanish as bajo. Wiktionary also lists debajo de and so.
Meaning: at a lower level than (prep)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bajo | /ˈbaxo/ | |
| debajo de | /deˈbaxo de/ | |
| so | /ˈso/ | archaic |
The word is used to describe being at a lower level than something else.
Which one should you use?
While both bajo and debajo de mean 'under', they are used in different contexts. debajo de is more commonly used to describe physical position, such as being under a table. In contrast, bajo is frequently used in more abstract or figurative senses, such as being 'under pressure' or 'under control'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the phrase without an object, the prepositional form debajo de becomes the adverb debajo, meaning 'underneath' or 'below'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaxo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using debajo followed directly by a noun. You must use the preposition de before a noun, such as debajo de la mesa instead of debajo la mesa.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Está bajo la mesa.It's under the table.This sentence shows how to use bajo to describe an object's position under a table.Tatoeba #2092769 by wallebot, translation #39623 by CK
- Está bajo la silla.It is under the chair.This sentence uses bajo to describe an object's position under a chair.Tatoeba #1636267 by marcelostockle, translation #28185 by CK
- No miré bajo el sofá.I didn't look under the couch.This sentence uses bajo to describe looking under a couch.Tatoeba #6820876 by arh, translation #6820435 by CK
- María colocó el libro debajo de la mesa.María placed the book under the table.
- El perro se esconde bajo la cama.The dog hides under the bed.
- Mi teléfono está debajo del sofá.My phone is under the couch.
- Juliet caminó por debajo del puente.Juliet walked under the bridge.
- 397 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are looking for a lost pen in the office.
- SofíaNo veo el bolígrafo aquí.I don't see the pen here.
- DanielMira bajo el teclado, Sofía.Look under the keyboard, Sofía.
- Sofía¡Aquí está! Estaba bajo el teclado.Here it is! It was under the keyboard.
- DanielQué bueno que lo encontramos.I'm glad we found it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “under” translations and entries bajo, debajo de, so, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bajo, de, debajo, so, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
