Spanish Conversation · Level 10
88 words
Spanish word
bajo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbaxo/
Meaning
- prepositionunder
Example
El gato está bajo la mesa.
The cat is under the table.
More examples
La situación está bajo control.
The situation is under control.
Core concept
An object tucked beneath another object's edge.
Common phrases
bajo la mesa
under the table
bajo presión
under pressure
bajo control
under control
Similar words
debajo de: Immediately under an object or surface, used for concrete, everyday locations.
por debajo de: Situated below something, often highlighting position along the lower side or under a limit.
Definition in Spanish
Se usa antes de un sustantivo para indicar que algo se sitúa en la parte inferior de otro elemento, es decir, debajo de él.
Word origin
The adjective bajo, ultimately from Latin bassus 'low', broadens from describing low height to a prepositional sense expressing placement beneath.
Usage tips
- For literal, everyday locations speakers often use debajo de, while bajo is common in more formal, legal, or figurative contexts.