These three words seem to be very similar! We are going to learn how to differentiate them.

Pronunciation:

abajo (click to listen)

bajo (click to listen)

debajo (de) (click to listen)

Abajo: Abajo is an adverb, and is used with verbs of movement. Let's say that this implies the idea "towards" (hacia).
Translation: down, below, under, beneath.

But... (there is always a 'but'...) it can also indicate 'state' or 'position' (without verbs of movement, this time) referring to any place located in a lower stage. This time, the difference between 'abajo' and 'debajo' is clear as, although they refer to a lower stage, 'abajo' is not concrete, but 'debajo' is very concrete. So, we would say:

- Mis sobrinos están abajo // - Mis sobrinos están debajo de la mesa.

The first one (Mis sobrinos están abajo) indicates any place downstairs, but the second one (Mis sobrinos están debajo de la mesa) shows a concrete place: under the table.

Bajo: Bajo is a preposition and has the same uses as debajo de (adverb). So, we could say either:

- Los gatos están bajo el sofá
or:
- Los gatos están debajo del sofá.

You can find more information about 'bajo' and 'debajo de' here.

As always, for any question or comment, e-mail me or visit the Spanish Forum and post it.
¡Hasta pronto!

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Recommended material:
You can find below some materials / web pages that, from my point of view, can be useful and interesting:

Visual Link Spanish

Visual Link Spanish™ - Just click, listen and repeat! Don't just learn Spanish; put it into practice with a unique guided, step-by-step system. I've tested it and I wish I'd had something similar when I studied English!!

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Puerta del Sol - Audio Magazine

A very interesting way of learning or reviewing not just Spanish grammar and vocabulary, but also a great way to find out about Spain and its culture.

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Lo más TV

Such a funny, intelligent and useful way to learn and enjoy the Spanish language!! It is a web based activity and offers new videos on a weekly basis. By clicking on any of them you'll be taken to a new page were you can chose between dial-up or broadband. The load is fast, and in few seconds you will be watching and listening to the video.

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Angeles' Blog: "Spanish Word of the Day"

I'm adding a new Spanish word, everyday, including its sound file, translation, uses and descriptions. You can send your messages with questions, examples to be reviewed, etc.

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