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 preposition bajo means 'at a lower level than'. It is also used for abstract concepts, such as being 'under control' or 'under pressure'. Additionally, when used as an adjective, bajo can mean 'low' or 'short'.
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 locations, such as being under a table. In contrast, bajo is frequently used for abstract concepts. Furthermore, as an adjective, bajo can mean 'low' or 'short'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bajo can function as a preposition without needing 'de', whereas debajo de almost always requires 'de' when followed by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- While bajo often describes height or position, it is also the standard word for 'bass' in music, such as the bajo eléctrico.
- The preposition bajo is used in the common phrase bajo cuerda, which means to do something secretly or 'under the table'.
- If you see the word so in a Spanish context, it might not be a preposition at all, but rather a shortened, archaic form of the title 'Sir' or 'Lord'.
Examples in context
- Está bajo la mesa.It's under the table.This sentence shows how to use bajo to describe an object being 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 being 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
- El libro está debajo de la mesa.The book is under the table.
- La llave se encuentra bajo el felpudo.The key is under the doormat.
- El gato duerme debajo del sofá.The cat sleeps under the couch.
- Mi perro se esconde abajo de la cama.My dog hides under the bed.
- 397 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking for a lost pen in the office.
- MaríaNo encuentro mi bolígrafo.I can't find my pen.
- AlejandroBusca bajo los papeles, María.Look under the papers, María.
- María¡Tienes razón! Está bajo la hoja.You're right! It is under the sheet.
- AlejandroQué bueno que lo encontraste.I'm glad you 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.
