contrabajo
/kontɾabaxo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "upright bass" is contrabajo in Spanish.
contrabajo refers to a large, deep-toned string instrument that is played either by plucking the strings or by using a bow.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, contrabajo is preceded by the masculine article el to form el contrabajo (the upright bass).
How do you pronounce it?
/kontɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word bajo is used for both the instrument and the physical height of a person. A musician describing their bajo as bajo could literally be saying their bass is short.
- Because contrabajo is a compound of 'contra' (against/opposite) and 'bajo' (low), a literal word-for-word translation would be 'against-low'.
- In some Latin American jazz and salsa circles, musicians may refer to the instrument as el bajo for short, which is the same word used for the electric bass guitar.
Examples in context
- Miembro destacado de la orquesta, el contrabajo es esencial para mantener el ritmo y la armonía.A prominent member of the orchestra, the double bass is essential for maintaining rhythm and harmony.
- El grupo de jazz está buscando un bajista que toque el bajo acústico.The jazz band is looking for a bassist who plays the upright bass.
- El contrabajo suena muy bien en esta canción.The upright bass sounds very good in this song.
- Ella estudia el contrabajo en la academia.She studies the upright bass at the academy.
- Necesito un estuche para mi contrabajo.I need a case for my upright bass.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at a music rehearsal.
- Javier¿Dónde dejaste el contrabajo, Sofía?Where did you leave the upright bass, Sofía?
- SofíaEstá en la sala de ensayos.It is in the rehearsal room.
- JavierGracias, voy a buscarlo ahora.Thanks, I'm going to look for it now.
- SofíaNo olvides traer la partitura también.Don't forget to bring the sheet music too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contrabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
