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B1 verb 13 Min. Lesezeit

rebajar

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Erklärung rebajar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'rebajar' primarily in the context of shopping and prices. Think of it as the word for 'to put on sale' or 'to discount'. When you go to a store and see a price that is too high, you might hope they 'rebajan' (lower) it. You will mostly use it in the present tense or the simple future. For example: 'La tienda rebaja los precios en enero' (The store lowers prices in January). It is a regular verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar'. Focus on the connection between 'rebajar' and the noun 'rebajas' (sales). If you see a sign saying 'REBAJAS', you know the prices have been rebajados. At this level, don't worry about the more complex meanings like diluting liquids or demeaning yourself; just think of it as a helpful word for saving money while shopping in a Spanish-speaking country.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'rebajar' in more varied contexts, such as cooking or basic descriptions of physical changes. You might say, 'Tienes que rebajar la sopa con agua' (You have to thin the soup with water) if it is too thick. You will also use it in the past tense (Pretérito Indefinido) to talk about things you bought: 'Me rebajaron el precio de la chaqueta' (They lowered the price of the jacket for me). You should also be aware of the difference between 'bajar' (to go down) and 'rebajar' (to reduce value/intensity). A2 learners should practice using 'rebajar' with simple direct objects like 'el precio', 'la cantidad', or 'la intensidad'. It is also useful to learn it in the context of 'rebajar la luz' (dimming the light). This level is about expanding the objects that the verb can act upon beyond just money.

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At the B1 level, you should master the nuances of 'rebajar' and its reflexive form 'rebajarse'. You are expected to use it in more complex sentence structures, including the subjunctive. For example: 'Espero que rebajen el precio pronto' (I hope they lower the price soon). You should also understand the metaphorical use of 'rebajarse' to mean 'to stoop' or 'to demean oneself'. This is common in social situations or when discussing character traits. For example: 'No me voy a rebajar a discutir con él' (I'm not going to stoop to arguing with him). You should also be comfortable using 'rebajar' in professional or semi-formal contexts, such as discussing tax reductions or interest rates. At B1, you start to see 'rebajar' as a tool for expressing social dynamics and more abstract reductions in intensity or tension.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'rebajar' with precision in technical and formal contexts. This includes understanding its use in construction (rebajar una superficie), law (rebajar una pena/sentence), and economics (rebajar la inflación). You should be able to distinguish 'rebajar' from more formal synonyms like 'atenuar', 'mitigar', or 'menoscabar'. B2 learners should also be familiar with common idioms and fixed expressions involving 'rebajar'. You should be able to use the verb in the passive voice or with 'se' for impersonal statements: 'Se han rebajado las expectativas para el próximo trimestre' (Expectations for the next quarter have been lowered). Your use of 'rebajarse' should reflect a deep understanding of social hierarchy and personal dignity, using it effectively in debates or literary analysis.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'rebajar' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in different Spanish-speaking regions (such as its use for weight loss in Latin America versus 'adelgazar' in Spain). You can use 'rebajar' to describe the softening of an argument, the dilution of a political stance, or the physical tapering of a material in a craft. You are aware of the historical etymology and how it relates to 'bajo'. You can use the verb in complex hypothetical situations using the past subjunctive and conditional: 'Si hubieran rebajado los impuestos antes, la crisis no habría sido tan grave'. You also recognize when 'rebajar' is used sarcastically or ironically in literature to comment on a character's loss of status.

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At the C2 level, you possess a total mastery of 'rebajar', including its rarest technical uses and its most poetic applications. You can use it to describe the 'rebaje' of a piece of furniture in fine carpentry or the 'rebaja' of a complex legal sentence in high-court terminology. You understand the phonological nuances and how the word fits into the rhythm of various dialects. You can analyze the use of 'rebajar' in classical Spanish literature, comparing it to archaic forms or contemporary alternatives. Your ability to use 'rebajarse' covers every possible social nuance, from tragic self-abasement to strategic humility. At this level, 'rebajar' is not just a verb but a precise scalpel used to describe the reduction of any quality, physical or metaphysical, in the Spanish language.

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Primary meaning: To lower prices or offer discounts in a commercial context.
Secondary meaning: To dilute or thin out liquids like paint, sauce, or alcohol.
Social meaning: To demean or humble oneself (reflexive: rebajarse).
Physical meaning: To shave down or reduce the height of a material.

The Spanish verb rebajar is a multifaceted term primarily associated with the act of lowering, reducing, or diminishing something. In its most common everyday context, especially for intermediate learners at the B1 level, it refers to the reduction of prices or the act of putting items on sale. When you walk through a shopping district in Madrid or Mexico City and see signs for 'rebajas', you are seeing the noun form of this action. However, the utility of 'rebajar' extends far beyond the shopping mall. It is a verb of modification, used whenever a quantity, intensity, or even a person's social standing is brought down to a lower level. Understanding 'rebajar' requires recognizing its physical, economic, and metaphorical dimensions.

Economic Reduction: This is the most frequent use. It describes the act of discounting a price. For example, 'El dependiente rebajó el televisor porque tenía un rasguño' (The clerk lowered the price of the TV because it had a scratch). It implies a deliberate action by a seller to make an item more attractive or accessible.

Si compras dos pares de zapatos, te podemos rebajar el precio total un diez por ciento.

Physical Dilution: In culinary or industrial contexts, 'rebajar' means to thin out or dilute a substance. If a sauce is too salty, you might 'rebajarla con agua' (thin it with water). If paint is too thick, you 'rebajas la pintura con disolvente'. Here, the 'reduction' is in the concentration or viscosity of the substance.

Furthermore, 'rebajar' carries a significant weight in social and psychological contexts through its reflexive form, rebajarse. To 'rebajarse' is to humble oneself, often in a negative sense, such as demeaning one's dignity or 'stooping' to someone else's level. If you are arguing with someone who is being rude and you decide not to respond with insults, you might say, 'No me voy a rebajar a su nivel' (I am not going to stoop to their level). This metaphorical use is crucial for advanced communication. Additionally, in technical fields like carpentry or masonry, 'rebajar' refers to shaving off or cutting down a material to make it fit or to reduce its height, such as 'rebajar una puerta' (to trim a door) so it doesn't scrape the floor.

Tuve que rebajar la salsa con un poco de caldo porque estaba demasiado espesa.

Intensity and Volume: You can also 'rebajar' the intensity of a light or the volume of a sound, though 'bajar' is more common for volume. Using 'rebajar' in this context suggests a more nuanced adjustment of levels or tones, often used in artistic or technical descriptions.

Nunca te rebajes ante nadie; mantén siempre tu dignidad y tus valores.

In summary, 'rebajar' is a versatile verb that every B1 student should master. Whether you are haggling at a market, cooking a complex meal, renovating your home, or navigating social hierarchies, 'rebajar' provides the linguistic precision needed to describe the act of bringing something down from its current state. It captures the essence of reduction in all its forms—economic, physical, and moral.

Using 'rebajar' correctly involves understanding its transitive and reflexive forms, as well as the prepositions that often accompany it. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation follows standard patterns, making it relatively easy to plug into various tenses. However, the nuance lies in the object of the reduction. When using it for prices, the direct object is usually 'el precio' or the item itself. When using it for liquids, the preposition 'con' (with) is essential to indicate the diluting agent. When used reflexively, 'a' (to) is used to indicate the level or person one is stooping to.

The Price Context: Often used in the past tense to describe a completed transaction. 'Me rebajaron cinco euros' (They knocked off five euros for me). In the future tense, it's used for negotiations: '¿Me lo podría rebajar un poco?' (Could you lower it a bit for me?).

Espero que el dueño decida rebajar el alquiler el próximo año debido a la situación económica.

The Dilution Context: The structure is 'rebajar [sustancia] con [diluyente]'. This is common in recipes and DIY instructions. 'Rebajé el zumo con agua mineral' (I diluted the juice with mineral water).

Para pintar la pared, primero tienes que rebajar la pintura con un poco de aguarrás.

In more abstract sentences, 'rebajar' can describe the lessening of emotions or tensions. For example, 'Sus palabras ayudaron a rebajar la tensión en la reunión' (His words helped to lower the tension in the meeting). Here, the verb acts as a synonym for 'aliviar' or 'disminuir'. The reflexive 'rebajarse' is particularly powerful in literature and drama, signaling a character's loss of pride. 'No se rebajaría a pedir perdón' (He wouldn't demean himself by asking for forgiveness). This usage highlights the moral hierarchy that the verb can imply.

El gobierno ha prometido rebajar los impuestos a las pequeñas empresas este trimestre.

Physical Alteration: Used when physically making something smaller or thinner. 'El carpintero tuvo que rebajar el listón de madera para que encajara en el marco'. This implies a physical removal of material.

Si el café está muy fuerte, puedes rebajarlo añadiendo un chorrito de leche fría.

Finally, consider the use of 'rebajar' in the context of sentences about health and fitness in certain regions. In countries like Colombia or Venezuela, you might hear 'Estoy haciendo dieta para rebajar' (I'm dieting to lose weight). In this case, 'rebajar' is used intransitively. However, in Spain, you would more likely hear 'adelgazar' or 'perder peso'. Understanding these regional variations helps you adapt your Spanish to the local context and avoid confusion.

The word 'rebajar' is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking daily life, though the setting dictates its specific meaning. If you are in a commercial district during January or July (the traditional months for 'las rebajas' in Spain), you will hear the word constantly. Shopkeepers will shout '¡Todo rebajado!' (Everything discounted!) to attract customers. In this environment, 'rebajar' is the sound of a bargain. It is the language of the consumer and the merchant negotiating the value of goods.

The Marketplace: In traditional markets (mercados), haggling is common. A customer might ask, '¿No me lo puede rebajar un poquito?' attempting to get a better price on fruits, vegetables, or crafts. The vendor might respond, 'Ya está muy rebajado, señora', indicating that the price is already at its lowest possible point.

En las noticias dijeron que van a rebajar el precio del combustible a partir de mañana.

The Kitchen and Bar: In a kitchen, a chef might instruct an assistant to 'rebajar la salsa' if it has reduced too much and become overly salty or thick. In a bar, you might hear a customer ask to 'rebajar la copa con más hielo o refresco' if the alcoholic drink is too strong for their taste.

El camarero tuvo que rebajar el cóctel porque el cliente lo encontraba demasiado fuerte.

Beyond these physical and economic spaces, 'rebajar' appears in the world of politics and news. Headlines often feature phrases like 'El Banco Central decide rebajar los tipos de interés' (The Central Bank decides to lower interest rates) or 'El sindicato pide rebajar la jornada laboral' (The union asks to reduce the working day). In these contexts, 'rebajar' is a formal verb used to describe institutional policy changes that affect the economy or labor rights. It carries a sense of official adjustment and systemic change.

Para que la puerta cierre bien, el carpintero tiene que rebajar un par de milímetros el borde inferior.

Social Interactions: In heated arguments or soap operas (telenovelas), you will hear the reflexive 'rebajarse'. A character might cry out, '¡No me rebajaré a hablar contigo!' (I won't stoop to talking to you!). This usage is highly emotional and highlights the verb's ability to describe perceived social or moral standing.

No permitas que sus insultos te afecten; no vale la pena rebajarse contestando de la misma forma.

In summary, 'rebajar' is a word that spans the spectrum from the most mundane tasks like thinning a sauce to the most significant economic policies and deep-seated emotional conflicts. Its presence in markets, kitchens, workshops, and newsrooms makes it an essential part of the Spanish linguistic landscape.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'rebajar' is confusing it with its close relatives, 'bajar' and 'reducir'. While they are often synonyms, they are not always interchangeable, and using the wrong one can sound unnatural or change the meaning of your sentence entirely. Understanding the specific 'flavor' of 'rebajar' is key to avoiding these pitfalls. 'Rebajar' usually implies a reduction of something that was previously at a higher level, often involving a deliberate action to modify its quality or value.

Confusing 'Rebajar' with 'Bajar': 'Bajar' is the general verb for 'to go down' or 'to lower'. You 'bajas las escaleras' (go down the stairs) or 'bajas el volumen' (lower the volume). 'Rebajar' is more specific. You wouldn't 'rebajar las escaleras' unless you were a carpenter physically shaving them down. Use 'rebajar' for prices and 'bajar' for physical movement.

Incorrecto: Voy a rebajar de la montaña. (I am going to 'reduce' from the mountain.)
Correcto: Voy a bajar de la montaña.

Confusing 'Rebajar' with 'Reducir': 'Reducir' is more formal and general. You can 'reducir la velocidad' (reduce speed) or 'reducir los gastos' (reduce expenses). While 'rebajar los gastos' is possible, 'rebajar' is much more common for specific items like a single price or a specific liquid. 'Reducir' sounds more mathematical or administrative.

Incorrecto: El coche tiene que rebajar la velocidad. (The car has to 'discount' the speed.)
Correcto: El coche tiene que reducir la velocidad.

Another common error occurs with the reflexive 'rebajarse'. Students sometimes use it to mean 'to lower oneself' physically (like crouching), but 'rebajarse' is almost exclusively used for social or moral stooping. If you want to say you are physically lowering yourself, use 'agacharse'. Furthermore, pay attention to the preposition. It is 'rebajar algo CON algo' (to dilute something WITH something). Using 'por' or 'de' here is a common mistake for English speakers who are translating 'by' or 'from' literally.

Incorrecto: Me rebajé para recoger la llave. (I 'demeaned myself' to pick up the key.)
Correcto: Me agaché para recoger la llave.

Regional Misunderstandings: In some regions, 'rebajar' is used for weight loss. If you are in Spain and say 'quiero rebajar', people might look at you confusedly, wondering what price you want to lower. In Spain, use 'adelgazar'. In Latin America, 'rebajar' is perfectly fine for losing weight, but be aware of your audience.

Incorrecto (in Spain): He rebajado tres kilos este mes. (I have 'discounted' three kilos.)
Correcto (in Spain): He adelgazado tres kilos este mes.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between physical movement (bajar), general reduction (reducir), and value/quality reduction (rebajar)—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the slightly 'off' phrasing that marks a learner.

Spanish is rich with verbs that describe the act of making something smaller or lower. While 'rebajar' is your go-to for sales and dilutions, knowing the alternatives will help you choose the precise word for every situation. This variety allows you to express nuances of formality, physical action, and emotional weight that 'rebajar' alone cannot cover. Let's compare 'rebajar' with its most common synonyms and see where each one shines.

Rebajar vs. Descontar: 'Descontar' is specifically 'to deduct' or 'to discount'. While 'rebajar' means to lower the price, 'descontar' often refers to taking a specific amount off a total. 'Me descontaron el IVA' (They deducted the VAT). 'Rebajar' is the action of lowering the price tag; 'descontar' is the calculation of the reduction.

En la tienda rebajaron los abrigos, y además me descontaron un cupón de diez euros.

Rebajar vs. Atenuar: 'Atenuar' means to attenuate, soften, or mitigate. It is more formal than 'rebajar'. You would 'atenuar las luces' or 'atenuar el impacto' of a crisis. Use 'atenuar' when you want to sound more sophisticated or when describing the softening of light, sound, or consequences.

El gobierno tomó medidas para atenuar los efectos de la inflación, en lugar de simplemente rebajar los impuestos.

In the context of social status, 'rebajar' (to demean) can be replaced by 'humillar' (to humiliate) or 'degradar' (to degrade). 'Humillar' is much stronger and implies a desire to hurt someone's pride, whereas 'rebajarse' is something you do to yourself. 'Degradar' is often used in official contexts, like military ranks. For physical reduction of material (like wood), 'cepillar' (to plane) or 'lijar' (to sand) are more specific technical terms that might be used instead of the general 'rebajar'.

Es mejor diluir el desinfectante en agua antes de usarlo para no dañar el suelo.

Rebajar vs. Disminuir: 'Disminuir' is a very versatile and slightly more formal synonym for 'reduce'. It works well for quantities and intensities. 'Disminuir la velocidad', 'disminuir el ruido'. While 'rebajar' implies a change in level or value, 'disminuir' simply indicates a downward trend in quantity.

La empresa busca disminuir el consumo de energía para ahorrar costes.

Ultimately, choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about money (rebajar, descontar), liquids (rebajar, diluir), social standing (rebajarse, humillarse), or physical quantities (reducir, disminuir). Mastering these distinctions will take your Spanish from 'functional' to 'fluid'.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The term 'rebajas' for seasonal sales only became popular in Spain in the mid-20th century, largely driven by department stores like Galerías Preciados and El Corte Inglés.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /re.ba.'xar/

US /re.ba.'har/

The stress is on the final syllable 'xar' because the word ends in 'r'.

Reimt sich auf

trabajar viajar bajar relajar encajar atacar amar cantar

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'j' like an English 'j' (as in 'jump'). It should be like a breathy 'h'.
Failing to tap the initial 'r'.
Over-emphasizing the 'b' like an English 'b' (lips should barely touch).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in store windows and news headlines.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires knowledge of regular -ar verb endings and correct preposition use (con, a).

Sprechen 3/5

The 'j' sound and the tapped 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 2/5

Usually clear, but can be confused with 'bajar' in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

bajo bajar precio tienda agua

Als Nächstes lernen

descontar regatear oferta saldo atenuar

Fortgeschritten

menoscabar envilecer dilucidar mitigar

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -AR verb conjugation

Yo rebajo, tú rebajas, él rebaja...

Reflexive verbs for emotional/social actions

Yo me rebajo, tú te rebajas...

Preposition 'con' for instruments/diluents

Rebajar la pintura CON agua.

Preposition 'a' for destination/level

No me rebajo A su nivel.

Passive 'se' for impersonal reductions

Se rebajan los precios (Prices are lowered).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

La tienda va a rebajar las camisas mañana.

The store is going to lower the price of the shirts tomorrow.

Future with 'ir a' + infinitive.

¿Puede rebajar el precio?

Can you lower the price?

Polite request using 'puede'.

Ellos rebajan los zapatos en verano.

They lower the price of shoes in summer.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Quiero comprar este libro si lo rebajan.

I want to buy this book if they lower the price.

Conditional 'si' clause with present tense.

Hoy rebajamos toda la ropa de invierno.

Today we are discounting all winter clothes.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

El mercado siempre rebaja la fruta tarde.

The market always lowers the price of fruit late.

Adverb 'siempre' with present tense.

No rebajamos los precios los fines de semana.

We don't lower prices on weekends.

Negative sentence structure.

Mi madre quiere rebajar el gasto de luz.

My mother wants to reduce the electricity cost.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Ayer rebajaron el televisor cien euros.

Yesterday they lowered the TV price by one hundred euros.

Pretérito Indefinido (Past Simple).

Tienes que rebajar el vino con un poco de agua.

You have to dilute the wine with a little water.

Obligation with 'tener que'.

El carpintero rebajó la mesa porque era muy alta.

The carpenter lowered the table because it was too high.

Pretérito Indefinido for a completed action.

Si rebajas el volumen, podré dormir mejor.

If you lower the volume, I will be able to sleep better.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

Me gusta esta tienda porque rebajan mucho los precios.

I like this store because they lower the prices a lot.

Use of 'porque' to explain a reason.

He rebajado la salsa porque estaba muy salada.

I have thinned the sauce because it was very salty.

Pretérito Perfecto (Present Perfect).

La empresa va a rebajar el sueldo de los directivos.

The company is going to lower the managers' salaries.

Future with 'ir a'.

¿Por qué no rebajaste el precio ayer?

Why didn't you lower the price yesterday?

Interrogative in the past tense.

No creo que rebajen el precio de los pisos este año.

I don't think they will lower the price of apartments this year.

Present Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

Ella nunca se rebajaría a mentir por dinero.

She would never stoop to lying for money.

Reflexive 'rebajarse' in the conditional tense.

Es necesario rebajar la tensión entre los dos países.

It is necessary to lower the tension between the two countries.

Impersonal expression with 'es necesario'.

Si rebajaras tus expectativas, serías más feliz.

If you lowered your expectations, you would be happier.

Second conditional (Si + imperfect subjunctive, conditional).

El médico me recomendó rebajar el consumo de sal.

The doctor recommended that I reduce my salt intake.

Infinitive after a verb of recommendation.

Han decidido rebajar la condena del prisionero.

They have decided to reduce the prisoner's sentence.

Pretérito Perfecto.

Me rebajé a pedirle ayuda aunque no quería.

I stooped to asking him for help even though I didn't want to.

Reflexive 'rebajarse' in the past.

Debemos rebajar el tono de la discusión.

We must lower the tone of the discussion.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

La inflación ha obligado al banco a rebajar los tipos de interés.

Inflation has forced the bank to lower interest rates.

Compound tense with 'haber' and 'obligar a'.

No permitas que nadie te rebaje con sus comentarios.

Don't allow anyone to demean you with their comments.

Negative imperative + subjunctive.

Tuvieron que rebajar el terreno para construir los cimientos.

They had to level the ground to build the foundations.

Technical use of 'rebajar' in construction.

El autor rebajó el tono crítico en la segunda edición de su libro.

The author softened the critical tone in the second edition of his book.

Metaphorical use for 'softening' intensity.

Al rebajar la pintura con disolvente, conseguí el tono deseado.

By diluting the paint with solvent, I achieved the desired shade.

Gerund 'al + infinitive' structure.

Es indignante que se rebajen a usar tales tácticas políticas.

It is outrageous that they stoop to using such political tactics.

Subjunctive after 'es indignante que'.

La nueva ley busca rebajar la carga fiscal de las familias.

The new law seeks to reduce the tax burden on families.

Formal economic terminology.

Habría sido mejor rebajar las pretensiones antes de la negociación.

It would have been better to lower the demands before the negotiation.

Conditional perfect + infinitive.

La pátina del tiempo ha servido para rebajar la estridencia de los colores.

The passage of time has served to soften the loudness of the colors.

Poetic/Artistic use of 'rebajar'.

Se rebajó hasta el punto de mendigar un poco de atención.

He demeaned himself to the point of begging for a bit of attention.

Reflexive with 'hasta el punto de'.

El fiscal accedió a rebajar la petición de pena tras el acuerdo.

The prosecutor agreed to lower the sentencing request after the agreement.

Legal context for 'reducing' a sentence.

Es preciso rebajar el nivel de ruido mediático para analizar el problema.

It is necessary to lower the level of media noise to analyze the problem.

Metaphorical use of 'ruido mediático'.

Para restaurar el mueble, hay que rebajar la madera con sumo cuidado.

To restore the furniture, one must shave down the wood with extreme care.

Technical restoration context.

No conviene rebajar la importancia de este hallazgo científico.

It is not advisable to downplay the importance of this scientific discovery.

Use of 'no conviene' (it is not advisable).

El licor era tan fuerte que hubo que rebajarlo con abundante hielo.

The liquor was so strong that it had to be diluted with plenty of ice.

Impersonal 'hubo que'.

Su orgullo le impedía rebajarse a pedir una segunda oportunidad.

His pride prevented him from stooping to ask for a second chance.

Infinitive as a complement to 'impedir'.

La dialéctica empleada buscaba rebajar la dignidad del adversario sin insultos directos.

The dialectic used sought to diminish the adversary's dignity without direct insults.

Abstract usage in rhetoric.

El ebanista procedió a rebajar la moldura para que la transición fuera imperceptible.

The cabinetmaker proceeded to shave down the molding so that the transition was imperceptible.

Highly technical carpentry context.

Cualquier intento de rebajar la gravedad de lo sucedido sería una falta de ética.

Any attempt to downplay the gravity of what happened would be an ethical failure.

Complex subject phrase with 'cualquier intento'.

La luz del atardecer rebajaba las sombras, otorgando al paisaje un aire onírico.

The evening light softened the shadows, giving the landscape a dreamlike air.

Literary description of light.

No se puede rebajar la complejidad de la psique humana a meros impulsos biológicos.

One cannot reduce the complexity of the human psyche to mere biological impulses.

Philosophical/Scientific reductionism.

Tras la derrota, el general se vio obligado a rebajarse ante el vencedor.

After the defeat, the general found himself forced to humble himself before the victor.

Reflexive 'verse obligado a'.

Al rebajar el espesor de la lámina, aumentó su flexibilidad pero perdió resistencia.

By reducing the thickness of the sheet, its flexibility increased but it lost strength.

Technical engineering context.

La ironía del texto sirve para rebajar la pomposidad de la prosa académica.

The irony of the text serves to undercut the pomposity of the academic prose.

Literary criticism context.

Häufige Kollokationen

rebajar el precio

rebajar los impuestos

rebajar la tensión

rebajar con agua

rebajar la condena

rebajar las expectativas

rebajar una puerta

rebajar el tono

rebajar la luz

rebajar el sueldo

Häufige Phrasen

Estar rebajado

— To be on sale or discounted.

Este abrigo está rebajado al cincuenta por ciento.

Rebajar las pretensiones

— To lower one's demands or ambitions.

Tuvieron que rebajar sus pretensiones para llegar a un acuerdo.

Rebajar la moral

— To lower someone's spirits or confidence.

La derrota rebajó la moral del equipo.

Rebajar el nivel

— To lower the standard or difficulty.

El examen era muy difícil, así que tuvieron que rebajar el nivel.

Rebajar la importancia

— To downplay or minimize the significance of something.

Intentó rebajar la importancia de su error.

Rebajar el impacto

— To soften the effect or consequence of something.

Las medidas sirvieron para rebajar el impacto de la crisis.

Rebajar la marcha

— To slow down or reduce the pace.

Después de correr una hora, tuve que rebajar la marcha.

Rebajar la guardia

— To let one's guard down.

No podemos rebajar la guardia ante el peligro.

Rebajar el grado

— To reduce the degree or intensity (e.g., alcohol content).

Están intentando rebajar el grado alcohólico de la cerveza.

Rebajar la cifra

— To lower a numerical value or statistic.

El objetivo es rebajar la cifra de desempleo.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

rebajar vs bajar

Bajar is for physical movement or general volume; rebajar is for value or concentration.

rebajar vs reducir

Reducir is more formal and mathematical; rebajar is more common for specific discounts.

rebajar vs relajar

Relajar means to relax; phonetically similar but contextually very different.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"No rebajarse ante nadie"

— To maintain one's dignity regardless of the situation.

Aunque perdió su trabajo, no se rebajó ante nadie.

formal/inspirational

"Rebajar los humos"

— To take someone down a peg or humble an arrogant person.

Esa derrota le va a rebajar los humos un poco.

informal

"Rebajar la cabeza"

— To submit or show humility, sometimes involuntarily.

Tuvo que rebajar la cabeza y aceptar las condiciones.

literary

"Rebajar el listón"

— To lower the bar or standards.

Si sigues rebajando el listón, cualquiera podrá entrar.

neutral

"Rebajar la tensión con un chiste"

— To use humor to diffuse a difficult situation.

Él siempre sabe cómo rebajar la tensión con un chiste.

neutral

"Rebajar la factura"

— To find ways to pay less on a bill.

Cambiamos de compañía para rebajar la factura del gas.

neutral

"Rebajarse a lo más bajo"

— To stoop to the lowest possible moral level.

Se rebajó a lo más bajo para conseguir el puesto.

informal

"Rebajar el color"

— To make a color lighter or less intense.

Añade blanco para rebajar el color rojo.

artistic

"Rebajar la pena"

— To alleviate someone's sadness or reduce a legal sentence.

Sus palabras de consuelo rebajaron mi pena.

neutral

"Rebajar el entusiasmo"

— To dampen someone's excitement.

No quería rebajar su entusiasmo, pero tenía que decirle la verdad.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

rebajar vs bajar

Both mean 'to lower'.

Bajar is a physical descent (downstairs) or general change (volume/temp). Rebajar implies a modification of an existing level or value (discount/dilute).

Baja la persiana (Lower the blind) vs Rebaja el precio (Lower the price).

rebajar vs adelgazar

Both can mean 'to lose weight'.

Adelgazar is the standard term in Spain. Rebajar is common for weight loss in many Latin American countries.

Quiero adelgazar (Spain) vs Quiero rebajar (Latin America).

rebajar vs diluir

Both mean to thin a liquid.

Diluir is more technical/scientific. Rebajar is more common in everyday tasks like cooking or painting.

Diluir el reactivo vs Rebajar la salsa.

rebajar vs agacharse

Both involve 'lowering' the self.

Agacharse is physical (crouching). Rebajarse is moral/social (stooping).

Se agachó para atarse los cordones vs Se rebajó a pedir perdón.

rebajar vs descontar

Both relate to price reduction.

Descontar is the mathematical deduction of an amount. Rebajar is the act of setting a lower price.

Descontar el IVA vs Rebajar el abrigo.

Satzmuster

[Sujeto] + rebaja + [Objeto]

Juan rebaja el precio.

Hay que + rebajar + [Sustancia] + con + [Líquido]

Hay que rebajar el zumo con agua.

No quiero + rebajarme + a + [Infinitivo]

No quiero rebajarme a gritar.

Espero que + [Sujeto] + rebaje + [Objeto]

Espero que la tienda rebaje los precios.

[Sujeto] + se vio obligado a + rebajar + [Objeto]

El banco se vio obligado a rebajar los intereses.

Al + rebajar + [Objeto], + [Resultado]

Al rebajar la tensión, todos se calmaron.

[Sujeto] + no se rebajaría + por nada del mundo

Él no se rebajaría por nada del mundo a robar.

Cualquier intento de + rebajar + [Concepto]

Cualquier intento de rebajar su mérito es inútil.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

rebaja (discount/sale)

rebajamiento (lowering/humiliation)

rebaje (groove/cut in carpentry)

Verben

rebajar (to lower/reduce)

rebajarse (to stoop/humble oneself)

Adjektive

rebajado/a (discounted/diluted)

rebajador/a (someone/something that reduces)

Verwandt

bajo

debajo

bajonazo

rebajón

bajista

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in commerce, cooking, and social commentary.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'rebajar' to mean moving something to a lower floor. → Bajar
If you are taking a box from the 2nd floor to the 1st, use 'bajar'. 'Rebajar' would mean you are sanding the box down.
Saying 'rebajar de precio' instead of 'rebajar el precio'. → Rebajar el precio
'Rebajar' is transitive; it takes the price as a direct object. 'De' is unnecessary here.
Confusing 'rebajarse' with 'agacharse' for physical movement. → Agacharse
If you bend down to pick up a coin, you 'te agachas'. If you 'te rebajas', you are hurting your pride.
Using 'rebajar' for speed in a car. → Reducir
While 'bajar la velocidad' is common, 'reducir la velocidad' is the standard. 'Rebajar' sounds like you are discounting the speed.
Using 'rebajar' for weight loss in Spain. → Adelgazar
In Spain, 'rebajar' for weight loss sounds like a Latin Americanism and might be misunderstood in a medical context.

Tipps

Shopping Pro Tip

Look for the sign 'REBAJAS' in Spain during January and July to find the best deals. The verb 'rebajar' is the engine behind these sales.

Kitchen Hack

If your stew is too salty, don't just add water. You can 'rebajar' the saltiness by adding a peeled potato, which absorbs the salt while you thin the liquid.

Maintain Dignity

The phrase 'no te rebajes' is a great way to tell a friend to keep their cool and not respond to insults or petty behavior.

Preposition Power

Always remember: 'rebajar CON' for what you add to a liquid, and 'rebajarse A' for the level you stoop to.

DIY Tip

If a door is sticking, you don't always need to buy a new one. Just 'rebaja' the bottom edge with some sandpaper or a plane.

Regional Awareness

If you are in the Caribbean and someone says they are 'rebajando', they are talking about their diet, not a sale!

Economic Context

In business news, listen for 'rebajar los tipos'. This means the central bank is lowering interest rates to stimulate the economy.

Painting Tip

To create a watercolor effect with acrylics, you must 'rebajar la pintura' with plenty of water on your palette.

Legal Terms

'Rebajar la condena' is a key phrase in crime dramas. It often happens when a character makes a deal with the prosecutor.

The 'J' Sound

The 'j' in 'rebajar' is the same sound as in 'Jalapeño'. Keep it raspy and strong!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'RE-BA-JAR'. 'RE' (again/back) + 'BAJAR' (to go down). You are bringing the price BACK DOWN.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a red 'SALE' sign being pulled down by a string to a lower level.

Word Web

Precio Vino Dignidad Madera Ventas Agua Descuento Pintura

Herausforderung

Try to use 'rebajar' in three different ways today: once for a price, once for a liquid, and once for a feeling.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Spanish word 'bajo' (low), which comes from the Late Latin 'bassus' (short, low).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original sense was to make something lower in height or position.

Romance (Indo-European).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'rebajarse' about others, as it can be very insulting to suggest someone is demeaning themselves.

In English, we say 'discount' or 'reduce', but we don't usually use 'lower' for liquids (we say 'dilute'). 'Rebajar' covers both.

The song 'Las Rebajas de Enero' by various Spanish pop artists. The traditional January 7th news coverage in Spain showing crowds waiting for stores to open for 'las rebajas'. Literary works by Benito Pérez Galdós often mention the social 'rebajamiento' of the middle class.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping

¿Está rebajado?
¿Me lo puede rebajar?
Sección de rebajas
Precios rebajados

Cooking

Rebajar la salsa
Rebajar con caldo
Rebajar el sabor
Rebajar el picante

Construction/DIY

Rebajar la madera
Rebajar el borde
Rebajar la pintura
Rebajar el suelo

Social Situations

No te rebajes
Rebajar la tensión
Rebajar el tono
Rebajar los humos

Economics

Rebajar impuestos
Rebajar tipos de interés
Rebajar el déficit
Rebajar costes

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Sabes cuándo empiezan a rebajar la ropa de verano en esta tienda?"

"¿Crees que el gobierno debería rebajar los impuestos a los jóvenes?"

"¿Alguna vez te has tenido que rebajar para conseguir algo que querías?"

"¿Cómo sueles rebajar el picante cuando una comida te sale muy fuerte?"

"¿Te parece que han empezado a rebajar la calidad de los productos últimamente?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escribe sobre una vez que conseguiste un gran descuento porque rebajaron el precio de algo que necesitabas.

Reflexiona sobre una situación en la que decidiste no rebajarte al nivel de alguien que te estaba tratando mal.

Describe un proyecto de bricolaje o cocina donde tuviste que rebajar un material o una sustancia.

¿Qué opinas de las épocas de rebajas? ¿Son buenas para la economía o fomentan el consumismo excesivo?

Imagina que eres un político. ¿Qué tres cosas decidirías rebajar para mejorar la vida de los ciudadanos?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

While technically possible, 'bajar' is much more common for volume (bajar el volumen). Using 'rebajar' for volume might sound like you are reducing the quality or tone of the sound rather than just the loudness.

No, although 'las rebajas' is its most famous noun form, the verb is used for diluting liquids, shaving wood, reducing taxes, and demeaning oneself socially.

'Reducir' is more formal and used for general quantities (reducir la velocidad). 'Rebajar' is specific to value (price), concentration (liquids), or level (carpentry).

You use the reflexive form: 'rebajarse a su nivel'. For example: 'No me voy a rebajara su nivel'.

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb. It follows the conjugation pattern of 'hablar' in all tenses.

Yes, in many Latin American countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, 'rebajar' is commonly used to mean 'to lose weight'. In Spain, 'adelgazar' is preferred.

It means to dim the light or lower its intensity, often to create a specific atmosphere.

A 'rebaje' is a groove, notch, or a section where material has been shaved away to allow two pieces of wood to fit together.

Yes, it is used in legal contexts to mean reducing a prison sentence or a fine (rebajar la pena).

You say 'rebajar algo un [X] por ciento'. For example: 'Han rebajado la televisión un veinte por ciento'.

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