Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Below in Spanish: Debajo and Abajo
Debajo · adverb · deh-BAH-hoh
The English word 'below' translates mainly to 'debajo' (underneath something specific) or 'abajo' (in a lower position/downstairs). The key distinction is that 'debajo de' requires a reference object (below the table), while 'abajo' can stand alone (go below/downstairs).
Debajo is pronounced deh-BAH-hoh with stress on the second syllable. Abajo is ah-BAH-hoh. Both contain the root 'bajo' (low).
El gato se escondió debajo de la cama.
The cat hid below the bed.
Below in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for below, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| debajo | below | deh-BAH-hoh | Default, widely understood |
| abajo | below | below/downstairs | |
| por debajo de | below | below a threshold |
How Native Speakers Use Debajo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Physical position
Las llaves están debajo del cojín del sofá.
The keys are below the sofa cushion.
Debajo de indicates something is directly underneath a specific object.
Direction
El baño está abajo, al final de las escaleras.
The bathroom is below, at the bottom of the stairs.
Abajo indicates a lower floor or downward direction without specifying what it's under.
Threshold
La temperatura bajó por debajo de cero grados.
The temperature dropped below zero degrees.
Por debajo de expresses falling below a numerical threshold or limit.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Debajo
Omitting the preposition de
Incorrect: El perro está debajo la mesa.
Correct: El perro está debajo de la mesa.
When indicating what something is below, 'debajo' must be followed by 'de' (debajo de la mesa). Omitting 'de' is a common error among learners.
Confusing debajo and abajo
Incorrect: Ven debajo, la cena está lista.
Correct: Ven abajo, la cena está lista.
When calling someone downstairs or indicating direction, use 'abajo' (down/below as direction). 'Debajo' requires an object it's underneath (debajo de algo).
Lock in Below Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Debajo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using debajo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El gato se escondió debajo de la cama. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Below in Spanish
- What's the difference between debajo de and abajo?
- Use 'debajo de' when something is directly underneath a specific object (debajo de la mesa = under the table), and 'abajo' when indicating a general lower direction or position without a specific reference object (el piso de abajo = the floor below).
- How is 'below' different from 'under' in Spanish?
- Both 'below' and 'under' often translate to 'debajo de' in Spanish, as the language doesn't make the same subtle distinction English does—whether you mean 'the cat is under the bed' or 'the apartment below,' Spanish uses 'debajo de' for both spatial relationships.
- How do you say 'below average' in Spanish?
- Below average translates to 'por debajo del promedio' or 'inferior al promedio' in Spanish, with 'por debajo de' being the construction used for any measurement that falls below a reference point or standard.