guion bajo
/ˌɡjom ˈbaxo/
The English word "underscore" is translated into Spanish as guion bajo. Wiktionary also lists barra baja.
Meaning: an underline (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| guion bajo | /ˌɡjom ˈbaxo/ | |
| barra baja | /ˌbara ˈbaxa/ | feminine |
Which one should you use?
guion bajo is the most common way to refer to an underscore in technical contexts. barra baja is an alternative term that describes the same symbol, but it is less common.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is common to use the term barra baja for underscore.
How does it change in a sentence?
guion bajo is a masculine phrase, so you should use masculine adjectives if you describe it (for example, el guion bajo largo).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɡjom ˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term guion does not just refer to a symbol but is also the word for a movie or play 'script'.
- While guion bajo is standard, the use of barra baja in Argentina can cause confusion because barra typically means a physical bar or a gang of hooligans in other contexts.
- The word guion in guion bajo is a derivative of guía, meaning 'guide', combined with the suffix '-ón' which often implies greatness or size.
Examples in context
- Por favor, inserte un guion bajo entre las palabras.Please, insert an underscore between the words.
- Recuerda que debes escribir tu correo electrónico con raya baja entre tu nombre y apellido.Remember to write your email address with an underscore between your name and surname.
- Para completar su registro, por favor, introduzca un guion bajo en su nombre de usuario.To complete your registration, please insert an underscore in your username.
- Escribe un guion bajo en el nombre de usuario.Write an underscore in the username.
- El correo tiene un guion bajo entre las palabras.The email has an underscore between the words.
- No olvides el guion bajo al final.Don't forget the underscore at the end.
Example conversation
María is helping Mateo create a new online account.
- María¿Cómo se escribe tu dirección de correo?How do you write your email address?
- MateoLleva un guion bajo después de mi nombre.It has an underscore after my name.
- MaríaEntendido, ya completé el registro.Understood, I already completed the registration.
- Mateo¡Perfecto, María!Perfect, María!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underscore” translations and entries guion bajo, barra baja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baja, bajo, barra, guion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
