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A1 adjective #700 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

Baixa

Top 700

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Baixa en 30 secondes

Explication Baixa in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'baixa' is primarily used to describe physical height and simple states. Students learn to use it to describe women or girls (e.g., 'Minha irmã é baixa') and common objects like tables or chairs. The focus is on basic noun-adjective agreement and the use of the verb 'ser'. You will also learn it in the context of volume ('voz baixa') and temperature ('temperatura baixa'). The goal is to distinguish 'baixa' from 'alta' (tall/high) and ensure the feminine 'a' ending is used correctly with feminine nouns. It is one of the first descriptive adjectives a student encounters because it is essential for basic personal descriptions and talking about the immediate environment.

At the A2 level, the use of 'baixa' expands to include more environmental and situational contexts. You will start using it with the verb 'estar' to describe temporary conditions, such as 'a maré está baixa' (the tide is low) or 'a bateria está baixa' (the battery is low). Learners at this level should also begin to distinguish between 'baixa' (height) and 'curta' (length), a common point of confusion. You will encounter 'baixa' in weather reports and simple news items, such as 'baixa pressão' or 'baixa nos preços'. The focus shifts from simple descriptions to communicating needs and observations about the world, like asking someone to speak in a 'voz mais baixa'.

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At the B1 level, 'baixa' begins to appear in more abstract and idiomatic expressions. You will use it to discuss socio-economic topics, such as 'classe baixa' (lower class) or 'baixa renda' (low income). The word also appears in psychological contexts like 'baixa autoestima' (low self-esteem). Learners should be comfortable using 'baixa' in comparative and superlative forms ('mais baixa que', 'a mais baixa de todas'). You will also encounter the noun form 'baixa' in specific contexts like 'dar baixa no hospital' (to be discharged) or 'a Baixa' as a geographical term for downtown areas. The complexity lies in understanding the word's role in fixed phrases and more formal discussions.

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At the B2 level, 'baixa' is used in technical, professional, and literary contexts. You will see it in financial reports describing a 'baixa no mercado' (market downturn) or in medical texts discussing 'baixa imunidade' (low immunity). The adjective is used to describe nuances in intensity, such as 'baixa luminosidade' in photography or 'baixa frequência' in physics. At this stage, you are expected to understand the subtle differences between 'baixa' and its synonyms like 'reduzida', 'moderada', or 'ténue'. You should be able to use 'baixa' to construct complex arguments about social trends, economic shifts, or scientific phenomena, maintaining perfect grammatical agreement even in long, complex sentences.

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At the C1 level, 'baixa' is used with stylistic precision. You will encounter it in high-level literature where it might describe a 'baixa lisonja' (low/base flattery) or other metaphorical uses where 'baixa' implies something morally inferior or 'base'. The word is used to describe intricate details in academic papers, such as 'baixa representatividade' in political science or 'baixa densidade demográfica' in geography. C1 learners should appreciate the etymological roots and how 'baixa' interacts with other sophisticated vocabulary. You will also understand the historical significance of terms like 'Baixa Idade Média' (Late Middle Ages) and how the word functions in legal or administrative jargon.

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'baixa' involves a deep understanding of its most subtle connotations and its role in the history of the Portuguese language. You can use the word in philosophical discourse to discuss 'baixa cultura' versus 'alta cultura' with nuance. You are familiar with rare idiomatic uses and can play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. A C2 speaker understands the regional variations in how 'baixa' might be used across the Lusophone world, from the 'Baixada' regions in Brazil to the 'Baixa' districts in Portugal. The word is no longer just a descriptor of height; it is a versatile tool for precise, evocative, and culturally grounded communication at the highest level.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Baixa en 30 secondes

Baixa is the feminine form of 'baixo', meaning short or low.
It describes physical height, volume, temperature, and abstract levels.
It must always agree with feminine nouns in gender and number.
Commonly confused with 'curta', which means short in length or time.

The Portuguese word baixa is the feminine singular form of the adjective baixo. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'low' or 'short' in English, but its application spans a vast array of physical, emotional, and technical contexts. When you are describing a person's height, baixa is the go-to term for a woman who is not tall. Unlike English, which distinguishes between 'short' for height and 'low' for position, Portuguese often uses the same root for both, provided the noun being described is feminine. This linguistic economy requires learners to pay close attention to the noun's gender and the specific context of the conversation.

Physical Stature: When referring to a woman or a girl, 'ela é baixa' means 'she is short'. It is a neutral description of height.

Beyond human height, baixa describes the verticality of objects. A chair with short legs is a cadeira baixa. A table that sits close to the ground is a mesa baixa. In these instances, the word emphasizes a lack of distance from the floor or a base level.

A prateleira da biblioteca é muito baixa para os livros grandes.

In the realm of abstract concepts, baixa is equally prevalent. In meteorology, you will frequently hear about baixa pressão (low pressure) or baixa temperatura (low temperature). In these scientific contexts, the word indicates a measurement that falls below a standard or average point. Similarly, in acoustics, a nota baixa refers to a low musical note, often associated with bass frequencies. Economically, the word describes a decline. A baixa na bolsa refers to a drop in the stock market. Emotionally, baixa autoestima (low self-esteem) is a common psychological term. The versatility of baixa makes it one of the most essential adjectives for a beginner to master, as it appears in daily conversations ranging from the weather to personal descriptions and financial news.

Intensity and Volume: Used to describe sound, 'voz baixa' means a low or quiet voice, while 'intensidade baixa' refers to low intensity.

Por favor, fale com voz baixa no hospital.

In summary, baixa is a multifaceted adjective that bridges the gap between physical dimensions and abstract measurements, always maintaining its feminine agreement with the noun it modifies. Whether you are discussing the height of a person, the volume of a song, or the temperature of the air, this word provides the necessary descriptive power to convey a state of being that is below the norm or physically close to a base.

Using baixa correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese noun-adjective agreement. Since baixa is feminine, it must always accompany a feminine noun. If the noun is plural, the adjective becomes baixas. This section explores the various syntactic roles this word plays.

Descriptive Predicative: When used after a linking verb like 'ser' or 'estar', it describes a state. 'A temperatura está baixa' (The temperature is low).

The distinction between ser and estar is crucial here. Use ser for permanent characteristics: 'Ela é baixa' (She is short by nature). Use estar for temporary states: 'A maré está baixa' (The tide is low right now). This nuance allows speakers to differentiate between an inherent quality and a passing condition.

A casa é baixa, mas muito aconchegante.

When modifying a noun directly, baixa usually follows the noun: 'uma mulher baixa' (a short woman). However, in poetic or emphatic contexts, it can precede the noun, though this is less common for this specific adjective. In medical and biological contexts, baixa is used to describe levels. 'Pressão arterial baixa' (low blood pressure) is a common phrase. Here, the adjective follows the noun phrase to specify the type of pressure being discussed.

Comparative and Superlative: To say 'shorter' or 'lower', use 'mais baixa'. 'Esta cadeira é mais baixa que aquela'. For 'the shortest', use 'a mais baixa'.

Ela é a pessoa mais baixa da família.

Another important usage is in the context of 'low-income' or 'low-class', where baixa renda or classe baixa are standard terms. These are fixed expressions where the adjective provides a socio-economic classification. Furthermore, in geography, baixa altitude (low altitude) describes regions close to sea level. In all these examples, the word functions as a quantifier of height, level, or intensity. Understanding these patterns allows the learner to move beyond simple descriptions of height and into more complex discussions about the world around them. Whether you are complaining about a baixa conexão (low/slow connection) or admiring a baixa luminosidade (low light) in a photograph, the structural rules remain consistent: match the gender, choose the right verb, and place it correctly for the desired emphasis.

You will encounter baixa in almost every facet of Portuguese-speaking life. In a domestic setting, it is used to describe furniture, children's growth, or the volume of the television. Parents might tell their children to speak in a voz baixa to avoid waking a baby. When shopping for clothes, a woman might look for cintura baixa (low-waist) jeans, a style term that has persisted through fashion cycles.

Daily Life and Home: Commonly heard when discussing the volume of music, the height of a shelf, or the temperature of the oven.

In the professional world, particularly in finance and news, baixa is a keyword. News anchors report on a baixa nos preços (a drop in prices) or a baixa na taxa de juros (a decrease in interest rates). If you work in an office, you might hear about baixa produtividade (low productivity) during a performance review.

O relatório indica uma baixa nas vendas este mês.

Traveling through Portugal or Brazil, you will see the word on signs and in descriptions of geography. In Lisbon, 'A Baixa' is the historic downtown area, so named because it is situated in the valley between the city's hills. While this uses the word as a noun, the origin is the adjective describing the low elevation of the district. At the beach, you must check the maré baixa (low tide) before planning a walk along the shore. In the kitchen, recipes often call for temperatura baixa or fogo baixo (though 'fogo' is masculine, so it would be 'fogo baixo', but 'intensidade baixa'). If you are at a concert, you might hear someone complain that the frequência baixa (low frequency/bass) is too vibrating.

Media and Technology: Used in digital contexts like 'baixa resolução' (low resolution) or 'baixa bateria' (low battery).

A imagem está com uma resolução muito baixa.

From the whisper of a secret to the complex movements of the global economy, baixa is an omnipresent descriptor. It is a word that helps define the limits, the bottoms, and the quiet moments of life. By listening for it in these diverse settings, you will begin to appreciate how a single adjective can anchor so many different meanings across the Portuguese language.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Portuguese is the confusion between baixa and curta. In English, the word 'short' can describe both height (a short person) and length (a short stick). In Portuguese, these are strictly separated. Baixa is used for height or verticality, while curta is used for horizontal length or duration. Saying 'uma mulher curta' would sound very strange and incorrect to a native speaker, as it implies she is 'short in length' rather than height.

Baixa vs. Curta: Use 'baixa' for height (short woman) and 'curta' for length or time (short skirt, short trip).

Another common pitfall is gender agreement. Because 'baixo' is the default form taught in many vocabulary lists, students often forget to change it to baixa when describing feminine nouns. For example, 'a mesa é baixo' is a grammatical error; it must be 'a mesa é baixa'. This mistake is particularly common when the noun and the adjective are separated by other words in the sentence.

Errado: A montanha é ~~baixo~~. Correto: A montanha é baixa.

Students also struggle with the placement of the word in relation to the verbs ser and estar. As mentioned before, using 'ela está baixa' suggests that the woman is currently short but might change height later, which is logically impossible for an adult. It should always be 'ela é baixa'. Conversely, 'a temperatura é baixa' implies a permanent climate, while 'a temperatura está baixa' refers to today's weather. In the context of sound, learners sometimes use pequena (small) instead of baixa to describe volume. While 'small volume' makes sense in English, in Portuguese, volume is always 'alto' (high) or 'baixo' (low). 'Voz pequena' would describe a voice that sounds like it belongs to a small child, not necessarily a quiet voice.

False Cognates and Noun Usage: Be careful with 'dar baixa'. This is an idiomatic expression meaning to discharge or to write off, which can confuse those looking for a literal adjective.

Não confunda a baixa (noun: downtown/casualty) com baixa (adjective: low/short).

Finally, avoid overusing baixa when more specific adjectives are available. For instance, 'baixa' for light is fine, but 'ténue' might be more sophisticated. However, for a beginner, mastering the basic distinction between baixa and curta and ensuring gender agreement are the most important steps to avoiding common mistakes.

While baixa is a highly versatile word, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe the world with greater detail.

Pequena (Small): Often used interchangeably with 'baixa' for height, but 'pequena' refers to overall size, while 'baixa' specifically refers to vertical height.

For example, a 'casa pequena' is small in total area, while a 'casa baixa' specifically has a low roof or only one floor. In many cases, a short woman might be called 'pequena' as an affectionate or diminutive term, but 'baixa' remains the standard descriptive adjective.

Ela não é apenas baixa, ela é bem pequena e delicada.

In technical or formal contexts, reduzida (reduced) is a frequent alternative. Instead of 'baixa velocidade', you might see 'velocidade reduzida' on traffic signs. This implies that the speed has been intentionally lowered from a higher state. Similarly, moderada (moderate) can be used when something is not quite 'low' but certainly not 'high'. When discussing sound or light, suave (soft/mild) or ténue (faint) are excellent alternatives. A 'luz baixa' is simply low in intensity, but a 'luz ténue' suggests a delicate, perhaps flickering quality. For voices, 'sussurrada' (whispered) is a more specific type of 'voz baixa'.

Rasteira (Crawling/Low-lying): Used for things that are very close to the ground, like 'vegetação rasteira' (low-lying vegetation) or 'sandálias rasteiras' (flat sandals).

As plantas rasteiras cobrem todo o jardim.

In economic terms, queda (fall/drop) is the noun often associated with baixa. While you can say 'houve uma baixa nos preços', it is equally common to say 'houve uma queda nos preços'. Queda emphasizes the movement downward, while baixa describes the resulting state or the trend. Finally, ínfima is a sophisticated word for 'extremely low' or 'insignificant'. If a chance of success is 'baixa', it is unlikely; if it is 'ínfima', it is almost non-existent. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your Portuguese to be more descriptive, moving from the basic A1 level of 'baixa' to the more nuanced vocabulary of advanced speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'bass' in music (English) and 'baixa' in Portuguese share the same Latin root 'bassus'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbaj.ʃɐ/

US /ˈbaɪ.ʃə/

The stress is on the first syllable: BAI-xa.

Rime avec

Faixa Caixa Abaixa Encaixa Paixa Rebaixa Desencaixa Queixa (slant rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like in 'taxi'). In Portuguese, 'x' often sounds like 'sh'.
Making the final 'a' too open like 'ah'. It should be a more closed, neutral sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'baixa' (the noun) which is identical but used differently.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering gender agreement.

Expression orale 2/5

Must distinguish from 'curta' in conversation.

Écoute 1/5

Clear pronunciation, easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Ela A Mesa Mulher Ser

Apprends ensuite

Alta Curta Comprida Baixo Larga

Avancé

Ténue Ínfima Reduzida Moderada Rasteira

Grammaire à connaître

Gender Agreement

A cadeira (fem) é baixa. O banco (masc) é baixo.

Number Agreement

As cadeiras são baixas.

Ser vs Estar

Ela é baixa (height). A maré está baixa (tide).

Adjective Placement

Uma mulher baixa (standard). Uma baixa temperatura (emphatic).

Comparatives

Esta mesa é mais baixa do que aquela.

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Exemples par niveau

A minha mãe é baixa.

My mother is short.

Feminine singular agreement with 'mãe'.

A mesa da sala é baixa.

The living room table is low.

Describes physical height of an object.

Ela fala com voz baixa.

She speaks with a low voice.

Used to describe volume.

A temperatura está baixa hoje.

The temperature is low today.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.

A cadeira é muito baixa para mim.

The chair is too low for me.

Adverb 'muito' modifies the adjective.

Esta prateleira é baixa.

This shelf is low.

Demonstrative 'esta' matches feminine 'prateleira'.

A menina é baixa e loira.

The girl is short and blonde.

Two adjectives modifying the same noun.

A luz do quarto está baixa.

The bedroom light is low.

Describes intensity of light.

A maré está baixa agora.

The tide is low now.

Common environmental usage.

A bateria do meu telemóvel está baixa.

My phone battery is low.

Technological context.

Por favor, use uma voz mais baixa.

Please, use a lower voice.

Comparative 'mais baixa'.

A casa tem uma porta muito baixa.

The house has a very low door.

Describes a physical dimension.

A pressão atmosférica está baixa.

The atmospheric pressure is low.

Scientific/Weather context.

Ela comprou uma cama baixa.

She bought a low bed.

Furniture description.

A produção foi baixa este mês.

Production was low this month.

Business context.

A nuvem está muito baixa.

The cloud is very low.

Describing altitude.

Ela sofre de baixa autoestima.

She suffers from low self-esteem.

Psychological abstract usage.

O governo apoia famílias de baixa renda.

The government supports low-income families.

Socio-economic term.

Houve uma baixa nos preços do leite.

There was a drop in milk prices.

Noun usage derived from adjective.

A região tem uma baixa altitude.

The region has a low altitude.

Geographical description.

Ela tem uma baixa resistência ao frio.

She has a low resistance to the cold.

Describing biological capacity.

A visibilidade na estrada está baixa.

Visibility on the road is low.

Describing a condition.

A escola tem uma baixa taxa de abandono.

The school has a low dropout rate.

Statistical usage.

A música tem uma frequência muito baixa.

The music has a very low frequency.

Technical acoustic usage.

A empresa enfrenta uma baixa produtividade.

The company faces low productivity.

Professional/Economic context.

A baixa luminosidade dificulta a fotografia.

The low light makes photography difficult.

Technical artistic context.

O paciente apresenta baixa imunidade.

The patient shows low immunity.

Medical context.

A bolsa de valores registou uma baixa acentuada.

The stock market recorded a sharp drop.

Financial terminology.

A baixa densidade populacional é um problema.

Low population density is a problem.

Demographic context.

O vinho deve ser servido a uma temperatura baixa.

The wine should be served at a low temperature.

Culinary instruction.

A conexão à internet está com baixa velocidade.

The internet connection has low speed.

Technological description.

A lei foi aprovada com baixa participação.

The law was approved with low participation.

Political context.

A baixa representatividade política preocupa os cidadãos.

The low political representation worries the citizens.

Abstract political concept.

O autor utiliza uma linguagem de baixa extração.

The author uses low-brow language.

Literary/Sociolinguistic usage.

A baixa solubilidade da substância impede a mistura.

The low solubility of the substance prevents the mixture.

Scientific/Chemical context.

O filme retrata a vida da classe baixa urbana.

The film portrays the life of the urban lower class.

Sociological classification.

A baixa fidelidade do áudio era propositada.

The low fidelity of the audio was intentional.

Aesthetic/Technical context.

A região sofre de baixa pluviosidade anual.

The region suffers from low annual rainfall.

Climatological terminology.

A baixa rentabilidade do projeto levou ao seu cancelamento.

The low profitability of the project led to its cancellation.

Corporate/Financial context.

O historiador analisou a Baixa Idade Média.

The historian analyzed the Late Middle Ages.

Historical period name.

A obra explora a dicotomia entre alta e baixa cultura.

The work explores the dichotomy between high and low culture.

Philosophical/Cultural theory.

A baixa lisonja nunca enganou o sábio rei.

Base flattery never deceived the wise king.

Archaic/Literary moral usage.

A baixa pressão hidrostática foi medida no fundo do tanque.

The low hydrostatic pressure was measured at the bottom of the tank.

Advanced engineering context.

O texto critica a baixa moralidade dos políticos.

The text criticizes the low morality of politicians.

Ethical/Political critique.

A baixa variabilidade genética ameaça a espécie.

Low genetic variability threatens the species.

Advanced biological context.

O contrato prevê uma baixa responsabilidade civil.

The contract provides for low civil liability.

Legal terminology.

A baixa volatilidade do mercado sugere estabilidade.

Low market volatility suggests stability.

Advanced financial analysis.

A baixa frequência de eventos astronómicos deste tipo é notável.

The low frequency of astronomical events of this type is notable.

Scientific observation.

Collocations courantes

Voz baixa

Temperatura baixa

Maré baixa

Pressão baixa

Baixa auto-estima

Baixa renda

Baixa altitude

Baixa velocidade

Baixa temporada

Baixa resolução

Phrases Courantes

Em baixa

— In a state of decline or out of fashion.

Aquele cantor está em baixa ultimamente.

Dar baixa

— To discharge from a hospital or military, or to write off an item.

O médico deu baixa à paciente.

Baixa de preço

— A reduction in price.

Houve uma baixa de preço nos eletrónicos.

Voz baixa

— A quiet or deep voice.

Ele sussurrou em voz baixa.

Baixa fidelidade

— Low quality reproduction of sound (Lo-fi).

Gosto de ouvir música de baixa fidelidade.

Baixa pressão

— Low atmospheric or blood pressure.

A baixa pressão indica chuva.

Baixa idade

— Young age (rare but used in specific contexts).

Crianças de baixa idade precisam de atenção.

Baixa estatura

— Short height (formal).

Ele é um homem de baixa estatura.

Baixa produtividade

— Low output or efficiency.

A baixa produtividade preocupa o gerente.

Baixa visibilidade

— Poor sight conditions due to fog or darkness.

Conduzir com baixa visibilidade é perigoso.

Souvent confondu avec

Baixa vs Curta

Curta is for length/time; Baixa is for height/level.

Baixa vs Baixo

Baixo is the masculine form; Baixa is feminine.

Baixa vs Pequena

Pequena means small in overall size; Baixa is specifically low/short.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar em baixa"

— To be unpopular or losing value.

As ações da empresa estão em baixa.

Informal/Financial

"Dar baixa em"

— To finalize a process or remove from a list.

Vou dar baixa no inventário.

Business

"Pôr por baixo"

— To underestimate or to place something underneath.

Não me ponhas por baixo, eu consigo fazer isso.

Informal

"Baixa de gravidade"

— A serious casualty or loss.

A guerra causou uma baixa de gravidade.

Formal/Military

"Olhar por baixo"

— To look at someone with disdain (less common than 'olhar de cima').

Ela olhou-o por baixo dos óculos.

Neutral

"Voz baixa e pausada"

— A calm, deliberate way of speaking.

Ele explicou tudo com voz baixa e pausada.

Neutral

"Baixa de serviço"

— Being off work due to illness.

Ele está de baixa de serviço há uma semana.

Professional

"Baixa costura"

— Ready-to-wear or common clothing (opposite of 'alta costura').

Isto não é alta costura, é baixa costura.

Informal

"Bater por baixo"

— To reach the bottom or a low point.

A economia bateu por baixo este ano.

Informal

"Baixa política"

— Dirty or petty politics.

Não gosto desta baixa política de ataques pessoais.

Formal

Facile à confondre

Baixa vs Curta

Both translate to 'short' in English.

Baixa refers to vertical height or levels. Curta refers to horizontal length or duration of time.

Uma saia curta (length) vs. Uma mulher baixa (height).

Baixa vs Baixo

Gender forms of the same adjective.

Use 'baixo' for masculine nouns and 'baixa' for feminine nouns.

O muro é baixo vs. A parede é baixa.

Baixa vs Pequena

Both describe small dimensions.

Pequena is general size (small). Baixa is specifically height (short).

Uma caixa pequena (small box) vs. Uma mesa baixa (low table).

Baixa vs Rasteira

Both mean low.

Rasteira implies something that crawls or is extremely close to the ground.

Grama rasteira vs. Nuvem baixa.

Baixa vs Ténue

Both can describe intensity.

Ténue is more literary and describes something faint or delicate.

Luz baixa vs. Luz ténue.

Structures de phrases

A [Substantivo Feminino] é baixa.

A mesa é baixa.

[Pessoa Feminina] é baixa.

A Maria é baixa.

A [Substantivo] está baixa.

A bateria está baixa.

Fale em [Voz Baixa].

Fale em voz baixa, por favor.

[Substantivo] de baixa [Substantivo].

Famílias de baixa renda.

Houve uma baixa em [Substantivo].

Houve uma baixa nos preços.

[Substantivo] apresenta baixa [Substantivo].

O paciente apresenta baixa imunidade.

A baixa [Substantivo] de [Substantivo].

A baixa solubilidade do sal.

Famille de mots

Noms

Baixada (lowland)

Baixela (tableware)

Baixinho (short person - diminutive)

Baixaria (vulgarity)

Verbes

Baixar (to lower/download)

Abaixar (to lower/bend down)

Rebaixar (to humiliate/lower again)

Adjectifs

Baixo (masculine singular)

Baixos (masculine plural)

Baixas (feminine plural)

Apparenté

Baixio

Abaixamento

Rebaixamento

Baixista

Baixura

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in daily speech and media.

Erreurs courantes

Ela é curta. → Ela é baixa.
Use 'baixa' for human height, not 'curta'.
O carro é baixa. → O carro é baixo.
Carro is masculine, so it needs 'baixo'.
A temperatura é baixa hoje. → A temperatura está baixa hoje.
Use 'estar' for temporary weather conditions.
Eu tenho uma voz pequena. → Eu tenho uma voz baixa.
Volume is described as 'baixa', not 'pequena'.
A saia é baixa. → A saia é curta.
Clothing length uses 'curta'.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always match 'baixa' with feminine nouns like 'mesa', 'mulher', or 'luz'.

Baixa vs Curta

Use 'baixa' for height and 'curta' for length. A short woman is 'baixa', a short movie is 'curto'.

Volume Control

Use 'voz baixa' to tell someone to speak more quietly.

Geography

Remember that 'Baixa' is a common name for downtown areas in Portuguese cities.

In Fashion

'Estar em baixa' means something is no longer popular or is losing value.

Medical Terms

'Pressão baixa' is the term for low blood pressure.

Work Life

'Estar de baixa' means being on sick leave in Portugal.

Music

'Notas baixas' are low-pitched notes, while 'volume baixo' is quiet music.

Photography

'Baixa luminosidade' is the technical term for low light conditions.

Base

Think of 'Base' to remember 'Baixa' means low.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'basement'. A basement is the lowest part of a house. 'Baixa' starts with 'bai', similar to 'base'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a woman standing next to a very low table. Both are 'baixa'.

Word Web

Altura Nível Volume Temperatura Pressão Renda Maré Voz

Défi

Try to find five feminine objects in your room and decide if they are 'baixa' or 'alta'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Late Latin 'bassus', which originally meant 'thick' or 'fat', but evolved in Romance languages to mean 'low' or 'short'.

Sens originel : Thick, short, or low in stature.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Galician-Portuguese.

Contexte culturel

While 'baixa' is a neutral descriptor of height, using diminutives like 'baixinha' can be affectionate or patronizing depending on the tone and relationship.

English speakers must remember that 'short' for height is 'baixa', but 'short' for length is 'curta'.

A Baixa de Lisboa (Lisbon District) Baixinha (Nickname for Xuxa's fans) Baixa Idade Média (Historical Period)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Describing People

Ela é baixa.
Uma mulher baixa.
Baixa estatura.
Ela é a mais baixa.

Weather/Environment

Temperatura baixa.
Maré baixa.
Pressão baixa.
Nuvens baixas.

Home/Furniture

Mesa baixa.
Cadeira baixa.
Prateleira baixa.
Cama baixa.

Sound/Light

Voz baixa.
Luz baixa.
Música baixa.
Intensidade baixa.

Economy/Business

Baixa de preços.
Baixa renda.
Baixa produtividade.
Baixa nas ações.

Amorces de conversation

"Você prefere morar em uma casa alta ou em uma casa baixa?"

"A temperatura está muito baixa hoje, não acha?"

"Qual é a pessoa mais baixa da sua família?"

"Você gosta de ouvir música com o volume em voz baixa?"

"A maré está baixa o suficiente para caminhar na areia?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva uma mulher que você conhece que é baixa e como ela é.

Fale sobre um dia em que a temperatura estava muito baixa e o que você fez.

O que você faz quando sente que sua autoestima está baixa?

Descreva a decoração de uma sala com móveis de altura baixa.

Escreva sobre a importância de falar em voz baixa em certos lugares.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you must use 'baixo' for a man. 'Baixa' is strictly for feminine nouns.

The verb 'baixar' means to download, but 'baixa' as an adjective does not. However, 'uma baixa' can colloquially refer to a download in some contexts, though 'download' or 'descarregamento' is more common.

You say 'cabelo curto'. Since hair is masculine and we are talking about length, 'baixa' is not used.

No, it is a neutral descriptive term. However, like in English, some people might prefer 'pequena' or 'não muito alta'.

It refers to the downtown area, which is physically lower than the surrounding hills.

Yes, as a noun, 'uma baixa' refers to a casualty in war or a person leaving a service.

You say 'maré baixa'.

It means 'low self-esteem'.

It is always 'voz baixa' for a quiet volume.

Yes, it is the standard way to say 'low temperature'.

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