debajo
Lemma Details
Translation: underneath; below; beneath; under
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'de' (from, down from) + 'bassus' (low). The same Latin root 'bassus' gave English words like 'base' and 'bass'. The prefix 'de-' indicates movement or position from above to below, while 'bajo' (from 'bassus') means 'low' in Spanish. This combination creates the concept of being positioned beneath something else.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'de' (down) + 'bajo' (low) = 'down low' or 'underneath'
- Associate with English 'base' (from the same Latin root) - something at the base is below or underneath
- Picture a 'bass' instrument, which produces low sounds, to remember 'debajo' means 'below'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'debajo' is commonly used in everyday speech to indicate physical position. When followed by 'de' (debajo de), it functions as a preposition. The distinction between 'debajo', 'abajo', and 'bajo' can be subtle for learners but is important for precise spatial descriptions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Debajo' specifically means 'underneath' or 'beneath' something, while 'abajo' means 'down' or 'downstairs' in a more general sense of lower position.
Confused word:
Vamos abajo a la cocina.
Let's go down to the kitchen.
Notes: 'Debajo' is almost always followed by 'de' when specifying what something is beneath, forming the prepositional phrase 'debajo de'.
Mnemonic: 'Debajo' has 'de' (of/from) suggesting it needs an object to be under, while 'abajo' is more about general downward direction.
Explanation: 'Debajo' is an adverb meaning 'underneath', while 'bajo' can be an adjective meaning 'low', a preposition meaning 'under', or a noun referring to a bass instrument or voice.
Confused word:
El hombre es bajo.
The man is short.
Notes: 'Bajo' is more versatile in its usage across different parts of speech, while 'debajo' is more specific to positional relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'debajo' as emphasizing the position (de + bajo = from below), while 'bajo' alone can describe height or position.