Bajo vs. debajo vs. abajo
In Spanish, the words bajo, debajo, and abajo can all be translated as under, below, or down. However, they are not interchangeable. The key difference lies in their grammatical function and whether they refer to a specific object or a general direction/location.
Bajo
A2Bajo is a preposition that means under or below. It must be followed by a noun and indicates that something is in a lower position relative to that noun. It can be used for both physical locations and for abstract or figurative situations.
Dejamos las llaves bajo el felpudo.
(We left the keys under the doormat.)
El termómetro marcó tres grados bajo cero.
(The thermometer registered three degrees below zero.)
No me gusta trabajar bajo presión.
(I don't like to work under pressure.)
El evento se realizó bajo un sol abrasador.
(The event was held under a scorching sun.)
Según la ley, eres menor de edad bajo estas circunstancias.
(Under the law, you are a minor under these circumstances.)
Debajo
A1Debajo is an adverb that is almost always followed by the preposition de to form debajo de. It means underneath or below and is used almost exclusively to describe a specific physical position directly under an object. In many physical contexts, it is interchangeable with bajo, but debajo de is often more common in everyday speech.
El gato está escondido debajo de la cama.
(The cat is hidden underneath the bed.)
Hay una caja de herramientas debajo del asiento del conductor.
(There is a toolbox under the driver's seat.)
Encontré mis gafas debajo de una pila de papeles.
(I found my glasses underneath a pile of papers.)
El niño se metió debajo de la mesa para jugar.
(The child got under the table to play.)
El pueblo se encuentra debajo de una gran montaña.
(The town is located below a large mountain.)
Abajo
A1Abajo is an adverb of place that means down, downstairs, or below in a general sense. It indicates a direction (downward motion) or a general lower location. Unlike bajo and debajo de, it is not followed by a specific object it is under.
Mis padres viven en el piso de abajo.
(My parents live on the floor below.)
Por favor, ven abajo, la cena está lista.
(Please, come down, dinner is ready.)
Desde la cima de la colina, miramos hacia abajo al valle.
(From the top of the hill, we looked down at the valley.)
Desplaza la página hacia abajo para ver más comentarios.
(Scroll the page down to see more comments.)
¡Manos arriba, manos abajo!
(Hands up, hands down!)
Summary
To summarize: use bajo (preposition) for under something, including abstract ideas (bajo control). Use debajo de (adverb + preposition) for underneath something, focusing on physical location. Use abajo (adverb) for the general direction or location of down or downstairs, without specifying what it is under.