debajo
/debaxo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, underneath is translated as debajo.
debajo is a preposition used to indicate that something is in a position under or beneath something else. You can also use the phrase oculto debajo de to specifically mean "hidden beneath".
Meaning: under, below, beneath (prep)
Which one should you use?
Use debajo when you are specifying a relationship to a specific object, such as being "under the table". In contrast, abajo is an adverb meaning "down" or "below" and refers to a general direction.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use debajo as a preposition followed by an object, it must be paired with the preposition de (resulting in debajo de). Note that por debajo de can be used to convey the idea of something happening below or under a certain standard or threshold.
How do you pronounce it?
/debaxo/
Did you know?
- The phrase por debajo de can act as a euphemism for 'under the table', describing transactions or agreements made secretly to avoid official scrutiny.
- The word debajo shares a linguistic root with the English word 'debase', as both originate from Latin concepts of lowering something.
- While debajo describes a location, the related word bajo is used to describe both a person's short height and a low volume of sound.
Examples in context
- El bicho está debajo de mí.The bug is underneath me.This sentence shows how to use debajo to describe an insect's location relative to a person.Tatoeba #1546404 by marcelostockle, translation #1147995 by cntrational
- Todos estamos desnudos por debajo de la ropa.We are all naked underneath our clothes.This sentence uses debajo to describe what is under clothing.Tatoeba #2671062 by marcelostockle, translation #2669454 by Hybrid
- Debajo de la aspereza en el trato, mi padre ocultaba su lado más vulnerable, un corazón cándido y generoso.Underneath all that coldness on the surface, my father hid his most vulnerable side, an innocent and generous heart.This sentence uses debajo to describe a quality hidden beneath a surface-level trait.Tatoeba #9288510 by ecorralest101, translation #9288516 by DJ_Saidez
- El libro está debajo de la mesa.The book is underneath the table.
- Mi oficina está debajo de la casa.My office is underneath the house.
- El gato se esconde bajo la cama.The cat hides underneath the bed.
- Las ruinas están enterradas bajo la tierra.The ruins are buried beneath the earth.
- La pelota está debajo del sofá.The ball is underneath the sofa.
- Siéntate debajito del árbol.Sit down underneath the tree.
- El tesoro está oculto debajo de la vieja cabaña.The treasure is hidden beneath the old cabin.
- El río pasa por debajo del puente.The river flows underneath the bridge.
- Las verdaderas intenciones estaban enterradas bajo capas de palabras.The true intentions were buried beneath layers of words.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is looking for his keys in the living room.
- AlejandroElena, ¿has visto mis llaves?Elena, have you seen my keys?
- ElenaEstán debajo del periódico.They are underneath the newspaper.
- AlejandroNo las veo debajo de él.I don't see them underneath it.
- ElenaMira bien debajo de la hoja.Look carefully underneath the sheet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries debajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
