B1 noun #3,000 پرکاربردترین 10 دقیقه مطالعه

por debajo

Underneath or below something.

At the A1 level, you should learn 'por debajo de' as a way to describe where things are. It's like saying 'under' or 'below'. For example, if you are looking for your shoes, they might be 'por debajo de la cama' (under the bed). At this stage, don't worry too much about the difference between 'debajo' and 'por debajo'. Just remember that 'por debajo de' is a common way to say something is in the space under another object. You will also see it in simple weather phrases like 'por debajo de cero' (below zero) when talking about cold weather. Focus on using it with physical objects like tables, chairs, and beds. Always remember to use the word 'de' after 'por debajo' if you are naming the object. For example: 'por debajo de la mesa'. If you just say 'it is below', you can say 'está por debajo'. Practice by describing where items are in your room.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'por debajo de' to describe simple comparisons and movement. Instead of just saying where something is, you can describe how something moves. For example, 'El gato camina por debajo de la mesa' (The cat walks under the table). This shows the cat is moving through that space. You will also use it for simple numbers and measurements. If a shirt costs 10 euros and you only want to spend 8, you can say you want something 'por debajo de 10 euros'. It is very common in weather reports for temperatures: 'La temperatura está por debajo de los 15 grados'. Start noticing that 'por debajo' often implies a range or a path, not just a single spot. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'abajo', which means 'down' or 'downstairs'. 'Por debajo' always needs a reference point, like a table or a specific number.
At the B1 level, you should master 'por debajo de' for both physical and metaphorical contexts. You are now expected to use it to describe levels, standards, and expectations. For example, 'Su trabajo está por debajo de su nivel habitual' (His work is below his usual level). This is a common way to give feedback or describe performance. You will also encounter it in more complex physical descriptions, such as 'El túnel pasa por debajo del río'. Here, the 'por' emphasizes the route taken. In business or news contexts, you'll hear about prices being 'por debajo del coste' (below cost). This level is where you should also learn the idiom 'por debajo de la mesa', which can mean doing something secretly or illegally, like a bribe. You should feel comfortable choosing between 'debajo de' (static location) and 'por debajo de' (movement or comparison). Pay attention to how it's used in professional settings to describe statistics and goals.
At the B2 level, 'por debajo de' becomes a tool for nuanced description and formal writing. You should use it to describe subtle underlying themes or hidden aspects of a situation. For example, in a literary analysis, you might say 'Hay una crítica social que corre por debajo de la trama principal' (There is a social critique running beneath the main plot). This metaphorical use is very sophisticated. You will also use it in technical or academic Spanish to describe thresholds and limits. For instance, 'Los resultados se sitúan por debajo del umbral de significación estadística'. At this level, you should also be aware of regional variations and related idioms like 'por debajo de cuerda' (secretly). You should be able to use the phrase to describe complex spatial relationships in architecture or engineering, such as 'la distribución de cables por debajo del falso techo'. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the phrase's ability to convey both physical paths and abstract comparisons with precision.
At the C1 level, your use of 'por debajo de' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures. You can use it to describe intricate social hierarchies or subtle psychological states. For example, 'A pesar de su aparente calma, por debajo de la superficie bullía una gran indignación'. This demonstrates a high level of expressive capability. You should also be adept at using it in formal legal or economic discourse, such as discussing 'cláusulas por debajo de las cuales el contrato queda invalidado'. You understand the stylistic choice of using 'por debajo de' versus 'bajo' to create specific emphasis or tone. For instance, choosing 'por debajo' to emphasize the physical or metaphorical 'passage' through a lower state. You can also use it in wordplay or advanced idiomatic expressions, recognizing its role in creating imagery of depth and concealment in both spoken and written Spanish.
At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'por debajo de', including its most obscure and literary applications. You can use it to navigate the finest nuances of the language, such as describing the 'subtext' of a diplomatic negotiation or the 'undercurrents' of a historical movement. Your use of the phrase is perfectly calibrated to the register and context, whether you are writing a philosophical treatise or engaging in high-level political debate. You can use 'por debajo' to describe the most abstract concepts of 'below-ness,' such as 'la realidad que subyace por debajo de las apariencias'. You are also familiar with how this phrase has evolved and how it interacts with other complex structures in the Spanish language. At this level, 'por debajo de' is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible tool for expressing depth, movement, and comparative value in the most sophisticated ways possible.

por debajo در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Indicates a physical position or movement in the space beneath an object, often requiring 'de' when followed by a noun.
  • Commonly used in quantitative contexts to describe values, temperatures, or statistics that are lower than a specific benchmark.
  • Can be used metaphorically to describe hidden actions, lower social status, or underlying themes in literature and conversation.
  • Essential for distinguishing between static location (debajo) and movement or comparative levels (por debajo).

The Spanish phrase por debajo is a versatile adverbial expression that primarily indicates a position lower than something else, or movement through a space that is beneath an object. While it is often translated as 'underneath' or 'below,' its usage in Spanish carries specific nuances that distinguish it from simple prepositions like 'bajo' or 'debajo.' In its most literal sense, it describes physical location. For instance, if you are looking for a set of keys and someone says they are por debajo de la mesa, they are suggesting the keys are in the general area under the table. The addition of the preposition por often adds a sense of 'through,' 'along,' or 'around' the lower area, rather than just a static point.

Physical Proximity
Refers to the space immediately beneath an object, often implying a sense of searching or movement within that space.
Quantitative Thresholds
Used to describe values, temperatures, or statistics that fall short of a specific benchmark or expected level.
Metaphorical Status
Indicates a lower social, professional, or moral standing compared to another entity or standard.

Understanding the difference between debajo and por debajo is crucial for B1 learners. While debajo is a direct location, por debajo often implies a trajectory or a comparative state. In a meteorological context, you will frequently hear that temperatures are por debajo de lo normal (below normal), which highlights a deviation from a standard. This phrase is also essential in technical and architectural descriptions, where it might describe pipes running por debajo del suelo (underneath the floor), emphasizing the path they take.

El túnel pasa por debajo del río para conectar ambas ciudades de manera eficiente.

Example: Physical passage beneath a landmark.

Beyond physical space, the phrase enters the realm of abstract concepts. In business, a company might operate por debajo de su capacidad, meaning it isn't producing as much as it could. In social dynamics, it can describe actions taken 'under the radar' or 'underhandedly' (por debajo de la mesa), which is a common idiom for bribery or illicit agreements. This versatility makes it a high-frequency phrase in both formal reports and colloquial storytelling. When you use por debajo, you are not just pointing down; you are describing a relationship between two levels, whether those levels are physical, numerical, or social.

Sus calificaciones están por debajo del promedio de la clase este semestre.

El agua se filtró por debajo de la puerta durante la tormenta.

No aceptes pagos por debajo de la mesa; es ilegal.

El submarino navega por debajo de la superficie para evitar ser detectado.

Grammar Note
It is an adverbial locution. It can be modified by intensifiers like 'muy' or 'bastante'.
Etymology
Combines 'por' (through/by) and 'debajo' (de + bajo, from Latin 'bassus').

Mastering por debajo requires understanding its syntactical requirements and the subtle shades of meaning it provides. The most important rule to remember is the 'de' requirement: when you specify what the object is below, you must use por debajo de. If the object is already understood from context, you can use por debajo on its own as an adverb. For example, 'El gato está debajo de la silla' is a static location. 'El gato pasó por debajo de la silla' suggests the cat moved through that space. This distinction is vital for conveying movement versus position.

As a Prepositional Phrase
Requires 'de' + [Noun]. Example: 'Por debajo de las expectativas'.
As an Adverb
Used alone. Example: 'El estante es alto, pero hay espacio por debajo'.

In comparative contexts, por debajo is the go-to phrase for statistics and measurements. If you are discussing economics, you might say 'La inflación se mantiene por debajo del 3%.' Here, it acts as a limit or a threshold. In academic settings, it describes performance: 'Su rendimiento está por debajo de lo esperado.' This usage is very common in professional reports and news articles. It provides a more formal and precise tone than simply saying 'menos que' (less than).

Para instalar la fibra óptica, tuvieron que excavar por debajo de la acera.

Another sophisticated use of por debajo is to describe things that are hidden or subtle. In literature, a writer might talk about a 'tensión que corre por debajo de la superficie' (tension running beneath the surface). This metaphorical use is excellent for B1 and B2 students looking to add depth to their descriptions. It suggests that while things look one way on the outside, something else is happening underneath. Similarly, 'por debajo de cuerda' is a common expression in some regions to mean 'secretly' or 'discreetly.'

When describing clothing, por debajo is used to indicate layers. 'Llevo una camiseta térmica por debajo de la camisa' (I'm wearing a thermal shirt under my shirt). This clarifies that the thermal shirt is the inner layer. In sports, it can describe the trajectory of a ball: 'La pelota pasó por debajo de las piernas del portero' (The ball went under the goalkeeper's legs). This specificity of movement is what makes the phrase so practical for daily Spanish communication.

Layering
Describing what is worn or placed underneath another layer.
Movement
Describing the path of an object passing through a lower space.

You will encounter por debajo in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. In a domestic setting, it's common when cleaning or organizing: 'Limpia bien por debajo del sofá' (Clean well under the sofa). It implies the action of reaching into that space. In a DIY or construction context, instructions often mention running cables or pipes por debajo de las tablas del suelo. This phrase is the standard way to describe structural layers.

El meteorólogo anunció que las temperaturas caerán por debajo de los diez grados esta noche.

In the world of finance and news, por debajo is indispensable. You will hear it in reports about the stock market ('Las acciones cerraron por debajo de su precio de apertura') or economic indicators ('El desempleo está por debajo de la media europea'). This quantitative usage is perhaps the most frequent in formal media. It allows for a clear comparison against a benchmark. Similarly, in sports commentary, a player might hit a ball por debajo de la red (under the net) in tennis (usually a fault) or a golfer might keep the ball por debajo del viento (under the wind) to maintain control.

In social and political discourse, the phrase often takes on a more figurative meaning. You might hear about 'negociaciones por debajo de la mesa' (under-the-table negotiations), referring to corruption or secret deals. In psychological or sociological discussions, experts might talk about 'corrientes por debajo de la conciencia' (currents beneath consciousness), referring to subconscious thoughts. This demonstrates how the phrase moves from a simple physical description to a complex tool for describing hidden realities.

Weather Reports
Used for temperatures and sea levels.
Business News
Used for budgets, prices, and performance metrics.
Everyday Tasks
Used for cleaning, organizing, and finding lost items.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the confusion between bajo, debajo, and por debajo. While they all translate roughly to 'under' or 'below,' they are not always interchangeable. A common mistake is saying 'El libro está por debajo de la mesa' when you simply mean it is sitting there. In that case, 'debajo de' is more natural. Use por debajo when there is a sense of movement or when comparing levels and standards.

Another mistake is using por debajo in fixed idiomatic expressions where bajo is required. For example, you should say 'bajo control' (under control), not 'por debajo de control'. Similarly, 'bajo la lluvia' (in the rain) is the standard, not 'por debajo de la lluvia'. Understanding that bajo is often used for abstract states or conditions, while por debajo is more spatial or comparative, will help you avoid these pitfalls.

Incorrect: Vivo por debajo de este techo.
Correct: Vivo bajo este techo.

Note: 'Bajo' is used for figurative protection or conditions.

Learners also sometimes confuse por debajo with abajo. Abajo is an adverb of direction (down/downstairs). You can say 'Voy abajo' (I'm going downstairs), but you wouldn't say 'Voy por debajo' unless you were literally crawling through a tunnel or a low space. If you want to say something is 'down there,' use 'allí abajo.' Using por debajo requires a reference point, either explicit or implied.

Confusing with 'Bajo'
Remember: 'Bajo' is for states/conditions; 'Por debajo' is for space/comparison.
Confusing with 'Abajo'
Remember: 'Abajo' is a direction; 'Por debajo' is a relative position.
Omitting 'De'
Always use 'de' before a noun.

To truly master the concept of 'under' in Spanish, you must understand the synonyms and related terms for por debajo. The most direct synonym is debajo de. While por debajo often implies movement or a comparative level, debajo de is the standard choice for static location. If a ball is simply sitting under a chair, debajo de la silla is the most natural way to describe it. However, in many contexts, especially comparative ones, they can be interchangeable.

Bajo
More formal and often used in figurative senses (e.g., 'bajo la ley', 'bajo presión').
Inferior a
Used in technical or formal contexts to mean 'lower than' or 'less than' (e.g., 'calidad inferior').
Soterrado
Specifically means 'underground' or 'buried,' often used for cables or hidden feelings.

Another related term is subterráneo, which refers to things that are literally under the earth. While you could say a metro runs por debajo de la ciudad, you would describe the metro itself as a transporte subterráneo. For quantities, menos de is a common alternative. Instead of 'por debajo de los 20 euros,' you could say 'menos de 20 euros.' However, por debajo emphasizes the position relative to the limit, which can add a descriptive flair to your speech.

La calidad de este producto es inferior a la del modelo anterior.

Synonym: Inferior (more formal/qualitative).

Finally, consider al pie de, which means 'at the foot of.' While not a direct synonym for 'under,' it is used for things at the very bottom of something tall, like a mountain or a staircase. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation. Whether you are describing a physical location, a numerical value, or a metaphorical status, Spanish offers a range of options, with por debajo being one of the most flexible and commonly used in the B1-B2 range.

چقدر رسمی است؟

رسمی

""

غیر رسمی

""

عامیانه

""

سطح دشواری

گرامر لازم

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

El gato está por debajo de la mesa.

The cat is under the table.

Uses 'de' because it is followed by a noun (la mesa).

2

Mis zapatos están por debajo de la cama.

My shoes are under the bed.

Plural subject, but 'por debajo de' remains the same.

3

La pelota rodó por debajo del sofá.

The ball rolled under the sofa.

The verb 'rodar' (to roll) shows movement.

4

Hace frío, estamos por debajo de cero.

It's cold, we are below zero.

Common phrase for weather.

5

Mira por debajo de la silla.

Look under the chair.

Imperative mood (command).

6

Hay un papel por debajo de la puerta.

There is a paper under the door.

Describes a physical position.

7

El perro duerme por debajo del escritorio.

The dog sleeps under the desk.

Describes a static location.

8

Pasa la mano por debajo.

Pass your hand underneath.

Used as an adverb without 'de' because the object is implied.

1

El río pasa por debajo del puente viejo.

The river passes under the old bridge.

Emphasizes the path of the river.

2

Buscamos el juguete por debajo de todos los muebles.

We looked for the toy under all the furniture.

Indicates a general area of search.

3

La temperatura bajó por debajo de los diez grados.

The temperature dropped below ten degrees.

Used with a numerical threshold.

4

Llevo una camiseta por debajo de mi jersey.

I'm wearing a t-shirt under my sweater.

Describes layers.

5

El ratón corrió por debajo del armario.

The mouse ran under the wardrobe.

Movement through a space.

6

No hay nada por debajo de la caja.

There is nothing under the box.

Negative sentence.

7

El precio está por debajo de veinte euros.

The price is below twenty euros.

Comparative value.

8

El agua sale por debajo de la nevera.

Water is coming out from under the fridge.

Indicates origin of movement.

1

Sus notas están por debajo del promedio este mes.

His grades are below average this month.

Abstract comparison of levels.

2

El túnel fue construido por debajo del canal.

The tunnel was built under the canal.

Passive voice construction.

3

Hicieron un trato por debajo de la mesa.

They made a deal under the table.

Idiomatic expression for a secret/illegal deal.

4

La empresa opera por debajo de su capacidad real.

The company operates below its real capacity.

Business context.

5

El submarino se sumergió por debajo de la superficie.

The submarine submerged below the surface.

Physical movement to a lower level.

6

Hay una corriente de aire por debajo de la ventana.

There is a draft of air under the window.

Describes a flow of air.

7

Siempre lleva algo por debajo para no tener frío.

He always wears something underneath so as not to be cold.

Used as an adverb.

8

El balón pasó por debajo de la barrera.

The ball went under the wall.

Sports context, describing movement.

1

La inflación se mantuvo por debajo de las previsiones.

Inflation remained below forecasts.

Formal economic context.

2

Se percibe una tensión por debajo de sus palabras.

A tension is perceived beneath his words.

Metaphorical usage.

3

El cableado va por debajo del suelo técnico.

The wiring goes under the raised floor.

Technical/Architectural context.

4

No podemos aceptar un presupuesto por debajo del coste.

We cannot accept a budget below cost.

Professional negotiation.

5

El nadador aguantó mucho tiempo por debajo del agua.

The swimmer stayed under the water for a long time.

Describes duration in a location.

6

La calidad del aire está por debajo de los niveles recomendados.

Air quality is below recommended levels.

Environmental/Scientific context.

7

Hay un mundo oculto por debajo de la ciudad moderna.

There is a hidden world beneath the modern city.

Literary/Descriptive usage.

8

El avión volaba por debajo de las nubes.

The plane was flying below the clouds.

Relative physical position.

1

Subyace un sentimiento de culpa por debajo de su arrogancia.

A feeling of guilt underlies his arrogance.

Sophisticated psychological description.

2

La rentabilidad cayó por debajo del umbral de rentabilidad.

Profitability fell below the break-even point.

High-level business terminology.

3

Se rumorea que hubo pagos por debajo de cuerda.

It is rumored there were under-the-table payments.

Idiomatic usage 'por debajo de cuerda'.

4

La excavación reveló estratos por debajo de la época romana.

The excavation revealed layers below the Roman era.

Scientific/Historical context.

5

Su discurso tiene un tono irónico que corre por debajo.

His speech has an ironic tone running underneath.

Describing subtext.

6

El nivel del mar está por debajo de lo registrado el año pasado.

The sea level is below what was recorded last year.

Precise comparative measurement.

7

La presión arterial se mantuvo por debajo de los límites críticos.

Blood pressure remained below critical limits.

Medical/Technical context.

8

Trabajaba por debajo de su categoría profesional.

He was working below his professional category.

Social/Professional status.

1

Existe una corriente de pensamiento que fluye por debajo de la narrativa oficial.

There is a current of thought flowing beneath the official narrative.

Abstract philosophical usage.

2

Las negociaciones se llevaron a cabo por debajo del radar mediático.

Negotiations were carried out below the media radar.

Metaphorical idiom 'por debajo del radar'.

3

La estructura se debilita por debajo de la línea de flotación.

The structure weakens below the waterline.

Technical/Engineering metaphor.

4

Sus acciones siempre parecen estar por debajo de toda sospecha.

His actions always seem to be below (beyond) all suspicion.

Nuanced use of 'por debajo' for 'beyond' or 'outside'.

5

El autor explora las pulsiones que laten por debajo de la moral burguesa.

The author explores the impulses beating beneath bourgeois morality.

Literary/Analytical context.

6

La temperatura del reactor se mantuvo por debajo del punto de fusión.

The reactor temperature remained below the melting point.

Scientific precision.

7

Hay una red de túneles que serpentea por debajo de la ciudadela.

There is a network of tunnels winding beneath the citadel.

Descriptive architectural usage.

8

La inversión se situó por debajo de lo presupuestado inicialmente.

Investment was below what was initially budgeted.

Formal administrative Spanish.

ترکیب‌های رایج

por debajo del promedio
por debajo de cero
por debajo de las expectativas
por debajo de la mesa
por debajo del radar
por debajo del nivel del mar
por debajo de lo normal
por debajo del presupuesto
por debajo de la superficie
por debajo de la media

عبارات رایج

pasar por debajo

mirar por debajo

estar por debajo

caer por debajo

quedar por debajo

situarse por debajo

mantenerse por debajo

correr por debajo

fluir por debajo

operar por debajo

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

por debajo vs bajo

Used for states/conditions (bajo presión).

por debajo vs debajo

Used for static location (debajo de la mesa).

por debajo vs abajo

Used for direction (ir abajo).

اصطلاحات و عبارات

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

por debajo vs

por debajo vs

por debajo vs

por debajo vs

por debajo vs

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

نحوه استفاده

nuance

Implies a gap or a path, not just a point.

formality

Neutral to formal.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Saying 'por debajo la mesa' (missing 'de').
  • Using 'por debajo' for static location when 'debajo' is simpler.
  • Confusing 'por debajo' with 'abajo' (direction).
  • Using 'por debajo de' for 'under the influence' (should be 'bajo la influencia').
  • Using 'por debajo de' for 'under the law' (should be 'bajo la ley').

نکات

The 'De' Rule

Always pair 'por debajo' with 'de' when a noun follows. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Weather Standard

Use 'por debajo de cero' for temperatures. It sounds much more natural than 'bajo cero' in many contexts.

Secret Deals

Learn 'por debajo de la mesa' to understand conversations about corruption or secrets.

Add Movement

Use 'por debajo' when describing a path (like a river under a bridge) to sound more descriptive.

Statistics

In business, use it to describe being under budget or below expectations.

Layering

Use it to describe wearing clothes underneath others (e.g., thermal wear).

Cleaning

When giving instructions to clean, 'por debajo de' implies reaching into the space.

Hidden Meanings

Use it to describe subtext in books or movies: 'lo que hay por debajo'.

News Reports

Expect to hear this phrase frequently in economic and meteorological news.

Precision

Choose 'por debajo de' over 'menos que' when you want to emphasize the level or threshold.

حفظ کنید

ریشه کلمه

Spanish

بافت فرهنگی

Using 'por debajo de la mesa' can be a serious accusation of dishonesty.

In some countries, 'por debajo de cuerda' is more common than 'por debajo de la mesa' for secret deals.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"¿Alguna vez has comprado algo por debajo de su precio normal?"

"¿Qué haces cuando la temperatura baja por debajo de cero?"

"¿Crees que es fácil encontrar trabajo por debajo de tu nivel de estudios?"

"¿Has visto alguna vez un túnel que pase por debajo del mar?"

"¿Qué cosas guardas por debajo de tu cama?"

موضوعات نگارش

Describe un momento en el que sentiste que algo importante estaba ocurriendo por debajo de la superficie.

Escribe sobre una meta que estuvo por debajo de tus expectativas y qué aprendiste.

Imagina un mundo que existe por debajo de la tierra y descríbelo.

¿Qué opinas de los negocios que se hacen por debajo de la mesa?

Describe las capas de ropa que usas cuando hace mucho frío.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

'Debajo' suele indicar una posición estática, mientras que 'por debajo' a menudo implica movimiento a través de ese espacio o una comparación de niveles.

Solo si mencionas el objeto que está encima. Si no lo mencionas, funciona como un adverbio solo: 'Mira por debajo'.

Sí, pero suele ser metafórico, indicando un rango o nivel inferior en una jerarquía.

No, la preposición correcta siempre es 'de'.

Se dice 'por debajo de cero'.

Es un modismo que significa hacer algo de forma secreta o ilegal, como un soborno.

No se usa para el tiempo cronológico, sino para niveles o cantidades en un tiempo dado.

Es neutral y se usa en ambos registros, aunque es muy común en informes técnicos y noticias.

El antónimo más directo es 'por encima de'.

Sí, es una expresión universal en todo el mundo hispanohablante.

خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال

/ 180 درست

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