At the A1 level, you should think of 'descenso' as a fancy way to say 'going down.' Imagine you are at the top of a small hill or a set of stairs. When you start moving toward the bottom, you are making a 'descenso.' While you will mostly use the word 'bajada' or the verb 'bajar' at this stage, you might see 'descenso' on signs at a ski resort or a hiking trail. It is a masculine noun, so we always use 'el' or 'un.' For example, 'El descenso es fácil' (The descent is easy). Just remember it means the opposite of going up ('ascenso'). It is a good word to recognize when you are traveling, especially in mountainous areas or when using public transport like cable cars.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'descenso' for more than just physical movement. You will hear it in weather reports. If the weather person says 'descenso de temperaturas,' they mean it will get colder. This is a very common phrase. You might also see it in simple news stories about prices going down: 'descenso de precios.' At this level, you should practice pairing 'descenso' with the preposition 'de.' For example, 'Hay un descenso de la nieve' (There is a decrease in snow). It is still a formal word, but it helps you understand more 'adult' Spanish in newspapers and on TV. You can also use it to describe a plane coming down to land: 'El descenso del avión.'
At the B1 level, 'descenso' becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing professional and social changes. You should know that it can mean a 'demotion' or a 'drop in rank.' For example, if a manager is moved to a lower position, you can call it a 'descenso de puesto.' This is also the level where you must understand its use in sports. In many Spanish-speaking countries, football is huge, and 'el descenso' refers to a team moving to a lower league. You should be able to use it in sentences like: 'El equipo sufrió un descenso inesperado.' You also start using adjectives to describe the descent, such as 'brusco' (sudden) or 'lento' (slow). It’s about adding detail to the movement downward.
At the B2 level, you should use 'descenso' with precision in academic and professional contexts. You will use it to describe complex trends in economics, sociology, or science. For instance, you might discuss the 'descenso de la natalidad' (drop in birth rate) or the 'descenso de la productividad.' You should also be comfortable using it in metaphorical ways, such as the 'descenso de la popularidad' of a politician. At this stage, you should distinguish 'descenso' from its synonyms like 'declive' (which implies a long-term decay) or 'merma' (which implies a loss of something valuable). Your goal is to use 'descenso' to sound more professional and objective in your writing and speaking.
At the C1 level, 'descenso' is used to explore nuanced literary and philosophical themes. You might analyze the 'descenso a los infiernos' (descent into hell) in a classic novel or a character's 'descenso a la locura' (descent into madness). You should be able to appreciate the rhythmic and stylistic choices of using 'descenso' versus 'caída' in a poem or a formal speech. In a business environment, you would use it to describe subtle shifts in market sentiment or the 'descenso de las expectativas' (drop in expectations). You should also be aware of technical collocations like 'descenso crioscópico' (freezing-point depression) in chemistry or other specialized fields. It is a word of gravitas and precision.
At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'descenso' in all its registers. You can use it to describe the 'descenso de la luz' at twilight or the 'descenso de las facultades mentales' in old age with poetic sensitivity. You understand its legal implications in contracts (e.g., 'descenso de categoría profesional') and its historical weight when discussing the 'descenso del poderío colonial.' You can effortlessly switch between 'descenso,' 'decremento,' 'aminoración,' and 'atenuación' to achieve the exact tone required for high-level discourse. You are also familiar with obscure idioms and rare uses in regional dialects. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise and evocative communication.

descenso em 30 segundos

  • Descenso means descent or decrease.
  • It is a formal masculine noun (el descenso).
  • Used for physical movement, statistics, and sports relegation.
  • The opposite is 'ascenso' (ascent/increase).

The Spanish word descenso is a versatile noun that primarily describes the act of moving from a higher position to a lower one. While its most literal translation is 'descent,' its application spans across physical, professional, statistical, and even emotional contexts. For an English speaker, it is helpful to think of it as the formal counterpart to 'drop' or 'fall.' In a physical sense, it describes coming down a mountain, stairs, or an elevator. However, in the professional world, it carries a heavier weight, often referring to a demotion or a reduction in rank. In the realm of sports, particularly in European football leagues, el descenso is the dreaded relegation to a lower division.

Physical Movement
Refers to the trajectory of going down. It is commonly used in hiking (el descenso de la montaña) or aviation (el descenso del avión antes de aterrizar). It implies a controlled or specific path downward rather than a random fall.
Statistical Decrease
Used frequently in news and business to describe a reduction in numbers, such as prices, temperatures, or birth rates. For example, 'un descenso en los precios' indicates that things have become cheaper.
Professional/Social Demotion
When someone loses their high-ranking position or status, this word captures the 'downward' shift in their career trajectory. It is the opposite of an 'ascenso' (promotion).

El equipo de alpinismo inició el descenso justo antes de que comenzara la tormenta de nieve.

Translation: The mountaineering team began the descent just before the snowstorm started.

Understanding descenso requires recognizing its formal tone. While you might use 'bajada' in casual conversation to talk about going down a hill, descenso appears in technical manuals, news reports, and formal sports commentary. It suggests a process or a measurable change. For instance, a doctor might discuss the 'descenso de la presión arterial' (drop in blood pressure) to sound precise and professional. In the context of the environment, scientists often track the 'descenso del nivel del mar' or 'descenso de las poblaciones de abejas,' highlighting its importance in scientific discourse.

Las autoridades confirmaron un descenso significativo en los índices de criminalidad este año.

Translation: The authorities confirmed a significant decrease in crime rates this year.

Finally, the word can be used metaphorically to describe a moral or spiritual decline. In literature, a character's 'descenso a los infiernos' (descent into hell) is a common trope representing a period of extreme suffering or psychological breakdown. This breadth of meaning—from a simple physical step down to a profound existential crisis—makes it a cornerstone of intermediate and advanced Spanish vocabulary.

Tras perder su fortuna, experimentó un lento descenso hacia la melancolía y el olvido.

Translation: After losing his fortune, he experienced a slow descent into melancholy and oblivion.

Using descenso correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and the prepositions that typically accompany it. Most frequently, you will see it paired with the preposition de to indicate what is decreasing or moving downward. For example, 'el descenso de la temperatura' (the drop in temperature). When describing the starting and ending points of a physical descent, the pattern desde... hasta... is standard.

With Adjectives
Because it is a formal noun, it often pairs with descriptive adjectives: brusco (abrupt), paulatino (gradual), notable (notable), or imparable (unstoppable). Example: 'Un descenso brusco en la bolsa' (A sharp drop in the stock market).
As a Direct Object
Verbs like notar (to notice), experimentar (to experience), sufrir (to suffer/undergo), and provocar (to cause) frequently take 'descenso' as an object. Example: 'La empresa sufrió un descenso en sus ventas'.

El descenso del río fue más peligroso de lo que los turistas esperaban.

Translation: The descent of the river (rafting down) was more dangerous than the tourists expected.

In grammatical structures, remember that descenso is always masculine. Therefore, articles and adjectives must agree: el descenso, un descenso, los descensos. When referring to a demotion in a job, you might say 'Su descenso de categoría fue una sorpresa para todos'. Here, categoría refers to the professional rank or level. In sports contexts, you don't 'win' a descent; you 'evitas el descenso' (avoid relegation) or 'te enfrentas al descenso' (face relegation).

Los economistas predicen un descenso paulatino del desempleo durante el próximo trimestre.

Translation: Economists predict a gradual decrease in unemployment during the next quarter.

When discussing geography, descenso is used to describe the slope or inclination of a terrain. 'Un descenso pronunciado' means a steep drop. In aviation, the pilot might announce, 'Iniciamos el descenso hacia el aeropuerto de Madrid,' which signals the start of the landing procedure. This specific use is highly standardized and is the only term used in professional flight contexts.

Durante el descenso en paracaídas, se puede apreciar la belleza del paisaje desde el aire.

Translation: During the parachute descent, one can appreciate the beauty of the landscape from the air.

You will encounter descenso in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. From the evening news to the sports stadium, it is a word that carries authority and precision. In a professional or academic setting, it is the preferred term over more colloquial synonyms like 'bajada.'

On the News (Economy & Weather)
Weather presenters often speak of a 'descenso de las temperaturas' when a cold front is approaching. Financial reporters use it to describe a 'descenso de la inflación' or a 'descenso en el valor de las acciones'. It sounds more objective and scientific than 'caída'.
In Sports Media
If you watch Spanish football (La Liga), you will hear commentators discuss the 'zona de descenso' (relegation zone). This refers to the bottom positions in the league table. Fans will often say, 'Mi equipo está luchando contra el descenso' (My team is fighting against relegation).
In Technical Environments
Pilots, engineers, and mountain guides use descenso as a technical term. In a plane, the 'descenso' is a specific phase of the flight. In engineering, it might refer to the lowering of a mechanical part.

El comentarista gritó emocionado que el equipo había evitado el descenso en el último minuto del partido.

Translation: The commentator shouted excitedly that the team had avoided relegation in the last minute of the match.

In everyday life, you might hear it at a pharmacy or a doctor's office. A pharmacist might explain that a certain medication causes a 'descenso de la fiebre' (reduction of fever). It is also common in outdoor sports communities. If you go canyoning or kayaking in Spain, the activity itself is often called 'el descenso de cañones' or 'el descenso del Sella' (a famous annual kayak race in Asturias). In these cases, the word represents the thrill and the physical challenge of the activity.

Se espera un descenso generalizado de las temperaturas mínimas en toda la península.

Translation: A widespread drop in minimum temperatures is expected throughout the peninsula.

Lastly, in formal writing or literature, descenso is used to describe the setting sun (el descenso del sol) or the decline of an empire (el descenso del Imperio Romano). In these contexts, it carries a poetic or historical weight, suggesting a grand scale or a significant moment in time. Whether you are reading a history book or a weather report, descenso is the word that provides the necessary gravity and precision to the concept of moving downward.

While descenso is a straightforward concept, English speakers often make mistakes by using it interchangeably with other 'downward' words that have specific nuances in Spanish. The most common error is confusing it with bajada, caída, or disminución.

Descenso vs. Bajada
Bajada is the common, everyday word. You 'bajas las escaleras' (go down the stairs) and there is a 'bajada' in the road. Descenso is more formal and technical. Using descenso to talk about walking down to the kitchen might sound unnaturally formal or even robotic.
Descenso vs. Caída
Caída implies an accidental or uncontrolled fall (like tripping). Descenso implies a process or a controlled movement. If a bird 'desciende,' it is flying down; if it 'cae,' it has likely been shot or is injured.
Descenso vs. Disminución
While often synonyms in statistics, disminución focuses purely on the reduction of quantity or size. Descenso retains the spatial metaphor of 'going down.' You can have a 'disminución de tamaño' (reduction in size), but you wouldn't usually say 'descenso de tamaño'.

Incorrect: El niño tuvo un descenso en el parque y se lastimó la rodilla.

Correct: El niño tuvo una caída en el parque y se lastimó la rodilla.

Context: Use 'caída' for accidental falls, not 'descenso'.

Another mistake involves gender. Some learners assume that because many nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, all of them are, which is true for descenso. However, they might mistakenly use feminine articles if they are thinking of the synonym bajada (which is feminine). Always remember: el descenso / la bajada. Mixing these up can make your speech sound disjointed.

Incorrect: La descenso de los precios es buena para nosotros.

Correct: El descenso de los precios es bueno para nosotros.

Context: 'Descenso' is masculine; adjectives and articles must match.

Finally, be careful with the sports context. In English, we might say a team 'went down.' In Spanish, you must use the noun phrase 'el descenso' or the verb 'descender.' Saying 'el equipo fue abajo' is a literal translation that doesn't carry the specific meaning of relegation. Precision in these contexts is what separates a B1 learner from a native-like speaker.

To truly master descenso, you must understand where it sits in the hierarchy of similar Spanish terms. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about a mountain, a bank account, or a career—different words might be more appropriate. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they compare.

Bajada (The Common Choice)
Usage: Everyday physical movement or simple decreases. Example: 'La bajada de la colina' (The walk down the hill). Comparison: 'Bajada' is informal; 'Descenso' is formal/technical.
Caída (The Sudden Drop)
Usage: Accidental falls or dramatic, uncontrolled collapses. Example: 'La caída de la bolsa' (The stock market crash). Comparison: 'Caída' implies lack of control; 'Descenso' can be controlled or systematic.
Disminución (The Quantitative Reduction)
Usage: Purely mathematical or statistical reduction in amount. Example: 'Disminución del ruido' (Reduction of noise). Comparison: 'Disminución' is abstract; 'Descenso' often retains a 'downward' visual imagery.
Declive (The Gradual Worsening)
Usage: Long-term deterioration of power, health, or quality. Example: 'El declive del imperio' (The decline of the empire). Comparison: 'Declive' suggests a loss of vigor or quality over time; 'Descenso' is more about position or value.

Mientras que el descenso del avión fue suave, la caída de las comunicaciones causó pánico.

Translation: While the descent of the plane was smooth, the drop (crash) of communications caused panic.

In professional settings, you might also hear degradación (degradation/demotion) or rebaja (reduction/discount). Degradación is much harsher than descenso de categoría; it implies a loss of honor or quality. Rebaja is almost exclusively used for prices in a retail context ('las rebajas de enero').

El decremento en la población es un descenso que preocupa a los sociólogos.

Context: Comparing technical synonyms for population drop.

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your sentence. A 'descenso' is a path; a 'caída' is an event; a 'disminución' is a number. By categorizing them this way, you can avoid the robotic feel of using the same word for every situation where something goes down.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'scandere' in Latin means 'to climb'. With the prefix 'de-' (down), it became 'descend'. With 'ad-' (to/up), it became 'ascend'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /desˈθenso/
US /desˈsenso/
The stress is on the second syllable: des-CEN-so.
Rima com
consenso intenso extenso propenso suspenso incienso ascenso lienzo
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'sc' as two distinct sounds; it should be one smooth transition.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'ce' sound with 'che'.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 'n' clearly.
  • Ending the word with an 'u' sound instead of a clear 'o'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in newspapers and signs, easy to recognize from English 'descent'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of gender and correct preposition use ('de' vs 'en').

Expressão oral 4/5

The 'sc' sound and the stress on the second syllable need practice.

Audição 3/5

Clearly articulated in news and sports broadcasts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

bajar caer alto bajo montaña

Aprenda a seguir

ascenso incremento paulatinamente brusco relegación

Avançado

decremento aminoración descenso crioscópico abyección hegemonía

Gramática essencial

Nouns ending in -o are typically masculine.

El descenso (not La descenso).

Preposition 'de' indicates the subject of the decrease.

Descenso de la natalidad.

Preposition 'en' indicates the area where the decrease happens.

Descenso en las ventas.

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.

Un descenso prolongado.

Using 'desde' and 'hasta' for physical ranges.

El descenso desde la cima hasta el valle.

Exemplos por nível

1

El descenso de la montaña es muy bonito.

The descent of the mountain is very beautiful.

Uses 'el' because 'descenso' is masculine.

2

Mañana hay un descenso de la temperatura.

Tomorrow there is a drop in temperature.

Singular noun with 'un'.

3

El descenso por las escaleras es peligroso.

The descent down the stairs is dangerous.

'Por' indicates the path.

4

Vemos el descenso del sol.

We see the descent of the sun (sunset).

Simple subject-verb-object.

5

El descenso es a las cinco.

The descent is at five.

Using 'ser' for scheduled events.

6

Me gusta el descenso en bicicleta.

I like the descent on a bicycle.

Infinitive-like use of noun.

7

Es un descenso corto.

It is a short descent.

Adjective 'corto' follows the noun.

8

No veo el descenso.

I don't see the descent.

Negative sentence.

1

El avión comenzó su descenso hacia Madrid.

The plane began its descent toward Madrid.

Possessive 'su' matches 'descenso'.

2

Notamos un descenso en el precio del pan.

We noticed a drop in the price of bread.

Preposition 'en' for context.

3

El descenso del río fue divertido.

The descent of the river was fun.

Refers to the activity of rafting.

4

Hubo un descenso de las ventas en enero.

There was a decrease in sales in January.

'Hubo' (there was) with a noun.

5

El descenso de la marea es lento.

The descent of the tide is slow.

Adjective 'lento' matches masculine noun.

6

Prepararon el equipo para el descenso.

They prepared the equipment for the descent.

Definite article 'el'.

7

El descenso térmico será notable esta noche.

The thermal drop will be notable tonight.

Future tense 'será'.

8

El camino tiene un descenso pronunciado.

The path has a steep descent.

'Pronunciado' means steep in this context.

1

El descenso de categoría fue un golpe para el club.

The relegation was a blow for the club.

'Descenso de categoría' is the formal term for relegation.

2

El médico observó un descenso de la presión arterial.

The doctor observed a drop in blood pressure.

Medical context.

3

Su descenso profesional se debió a su mala actitud.

His professional demotion was due to his bad attitude.

Abstract use for career.

4

El descenso de la población rural preocupa al gobierno.

The decrease in the rural population worries the government.

Sociological context.

5

Iniciamos el descenso de los barrancos con precaución.

We began the descent of the canyons with caution.

Technical outdoor term.

6

El descenso de los beneficios afectó a los empleados.

The drop in profits affected the employees.

Economic context.

7

Fue un descenso controlado por los expertos.

It was a descent controlled by the experts.

Passive-like structure.

8

El descenso del desempleo es una buena noticia.

The drop in unemployment is good news.

Common news headline pattern.

1

El descenso paulatino de las reservas de agua es alarmante.

The gradual decrease in water reserves is alarming.

'Paulatino' is a B2-level adjective for gradual.

2

Se produjo un descenso brusco de la bolsa de valores.

A sharp drop occurred in the stock market.

'Se produjo' is a formal way to say 'happened'.

3

El descenso de la natalidad cambiará la sociedad.

The drop in the birth rate will change society.

Predictive future tense.

4

El piloto anunció el inicio del descenso final.

The pilot announced the start of the final descent.

Aviation terminology.

5

El descenso de la inflación ha sido menor de lo esperado.

The drop in inflation has been less than expected.

Comparative structure.

6

Evitar el descenso es el objetivo principal del equipo.

Avoiding relegation is the team's main goal.

Infinitive as a subject.

7

El descenso de los niveles de contaminación es evidente.

The drop in pollution levels is evident.

Environmental context.

8

Hubo un descenso notable en la participación electoral.

There was a notable drop in voter turnout.

Political context.

1

La novela narra el descenso a los infiernos del protagonista.

The novel narrates the protagonist's descent into hell.

Metaphorical literary use.

2

El descenso crioscópico depende de la concentración de soluto.

The freezing-point depression depends on the solute concentration.

Scientific/Technical term.

3

Se observa un descenso en la calidad del debate político.

A drop in the quality of political debate is observed.

Abstract qualitative use.

4

El descenso de la luz al atardecer crea sombras alargadas.

The fading of light at sunset creates long shadows.

Poetic/Descriptive use.

5

El descenso de su influencia en la empresa fue inevitable.

The decline of his influence in the company was inevitable.

Focus on power dynamics.

6

Analizamos el descenso de la biodiversidad en la selva.

We analyzed the decline of biodiversity in the jungle.

Scientific analysis context.

7

El descenso de las expectativas de crecimiento frenó la inversión.

The drop in growth expectations slowed investment.

Economic cause-and-effect.

8

El descenso de la marea reveló los restos del naufragio.

The receding tide revealed the remains of the shipwreck.

Narrative setting.

1

Su descenso a la abyección fue documentado por sus biógrafos.

His descent into abjection was documented by his biographers.

High-level vocabulary ('abyección').

2

El descenso de la libido puede ser un efecto secundario.

The decrease in libido can be a side effect.

Formal medical terminology.

3

Presenciamos el descenso del telón tras la última función.

We witnessed the lowering of the curtain after the last performance.

Theatrical context.

4

El descenso de la hegemonía europea es un tema recurrente.

The decline of European hegemony is a recurring theme.

Geopolitical discourse.

5

El descenso de los glaciares es un indicador del cambio climático.

The retreat of the glaciers is an indicator of climate change.

Environmental science.

6

Se produjo un descenso en la agudeza visual del paciente.

A decrease in the patient's visual acuity occurred.

Clinical precision.

7

El descenso de la curva de aprendizaje facilitó la tarea.

The flattening of the learning curve made the task easier.

Idiomatic professional use.

8

El descenso de la religiosidad marca la era posmoderna.

The decline of religiosity marks the postmodern era.

Sociological/Philosophical analysis.

Colocações comuns

descenso brusco
descenso de categoría
iniciar el descenso
zona de descenso
descenso térmico
descenso de las ventas
descenso de población
descenso en picado
descenso de marea
descenso de presión

Frases Comuns

En pleno descenso

— In the middle of going down.

Nos pilló la lluvia en pleno descenso.

Evitar el descenso

— To avoid being relegated (sports).

Lucharon duro para evitar el descenso.

Descenso a los infiernos

— A metaphorical journey into suffering.

La película muestra su descenso a los infiernos.

Vía de descenso

— The path used to go down.

Buscamos la vía de descenso más segura.

Ritmo de descenso

— The speed at which something falls.

El ritmo de descenso de la inflación es lento.

Descenso de nivel

— A drop in quality or height.

Hubo un descenso de nivel en el examen.

Punto de descenso

— The specific place where one goes down.

Este es el punto de descenso para los buzos.

Descenso controlado

— A safe, planned downward movement.

El aterrizaje fue un descenso controlado.

Descenso imparable

— A fall that cannot be stopped.

Su descenso imparable hacia la pobreza.

Descenso de aguas

— The receding of floodwaters.

Esperamos el descenso de aguas para volver.

Frequentemente confundido com

descenso vs bajada

Bajada is casual; descenso is formal/technical.

descenso vs caída

Caída is uncontrolled/accidental; descenso is often a process.

descenso vs disminución

Disminución is purely quantitative; descenso has a spatial feel.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Estar en descenso"

— To be declining in quality or status.

Ese restaurante está en descenso últimamente.

Neutral
"Descenso en picado"

— A very fast and dramatic drop (nose-dive).

Su reputación está en descenso en picado.

Colloquial
"Cuesta abajo y sin frenos"

— Metaphorically similar to an unstoppable descent into disaster.

Su vida va cuesta abajo y sin frenos.

Informal
"Tocar fondo"

— To reach the lowest point of a descent.

Después del descenso, finalmente tocó fondo.

General
"Ir a menos"

— To experience a gradual descent in quality.

La serie ha ido a menos esta temporada.

Informal
"Caer en picado"

— To plummet (verb form of descent in picado).

Las acciones cayeron en picado.

Neutral
"Bajar los humos"

— To cause a descent in someone's ego.

Le bajaron los humos con esa crítica.

Informal
"De capa caída"

— In a state of decline or discouragement.

El negocio está de capa caída.

Informal
"Venirse abajo"

— To collapse or have a sudden descent in spirits.

Se vino abajo al oír la noticia.

Informal
"Estar por los suelos"

— To be at the very bottom of a descent (prices/spirits).

Los ánimos están por los suelos.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

descenso vs Ascenso

They look similar.

Ascenso is UP; Descenso is DOWN.

El ascenso fue duro, pero el descenso fue fácil.

descenso vs Descuento

Both start with 'des-' and relate to money.

Descuento is a specific discount (e.g., 20% off); Descenso is a general drop in prices.

El descenso de precios se debió a los descuentos de verano.

descenso vs Decaimiento

Both relate to things going down.

Decaimiento is a drop in energy or mood; Descenso is more about position or value.

Su decaimiento físico siguió al descenso de su fama.

descenso vs Deterioro

Both imply something getting worse.

Deterioro is physical damage; Descenso is moving to a lower level.

El deterioro del edificio causó el descenso de su valor.

descenso vs Rebaja

Both mean a reduction.

Rebaja is specifically for sales/retail; Descenso is for any drop.

La rebaja provocó un descenso en el inventario.

Padrões de frases

A1

El descenso es [adjective].

El descenso es largo.

A2

Hay un descenso de [noun].

Hay un descenso de la nieve.

B1

El equipo sufrió un descenso.

El equipo sufrió un descenso de categoría.

B2

Se espera un descenso en [noun].

Se espera un descenso en la participación.

C1

El descenso de [abstract noun] es evidente.

El descenso de la moral es evidente.

C2

Documentar el descenso a [state].

Documentar el descenso a la locura.

B1

Notar un descenso paulatino.

Notamos un descenso paulatino de los ingresos.

B2

Provocar un descenso brusco.

La noticia provocó un descenso brusco de las acciones.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

descenso
descendiente
descendencia

Verbos

descender

Adjetivos

descendente
descendido

Relacionado

ascenso
bajada
caída
declive
pendiente

Como usar

frequency

Very high in news, sports, and formal writing.

Erros comuns
  • La descenso El descenso

    The word is masculine, regardless of the English translation.

  • Un descenso de las escaleras Una bajada de las escaleras

    Descenso is too formal for everyday stairs.

  • El equipo tuvo una caída El equipo sufrió el descenso

    In sports, 'descenso' is the specific term for relegation.

  • Tuve un descenso en la calle Tuve una caída en la calle

    If you tripped, use 'caída'. 'Descenso' implies a deliberate or systematic path.

  • Descenso crioscópica Descenso crioscópico

    Adjectives must be masculine to match 'descenso'.

Dicas

Watch the Article

Always use 'el' with 'descenso'. Even if you are thinking of the English word 'decrease', remember the Spanish gender.

Context Matters

Use 'descenso' for mountains and 'bajada' for stairs. It sounds more natural.

Football Talk

If you want to talk about sports, learn the phrase 'zona de descenso' (the bottom of the league table).

Formal Reports

In business writing, 'descenso' is much more professional than 'caída' or 'bajada'.

Stress the Middle

Make sure to emphasize the 'CEN' syllable to sound like a native speaker.

News Keywords

When you hear 'descenso', get ready for data about prices, weather, or politics.

Descent Connection

The English word 'descent' is your best friend here. They share the same Latin root.

Avoid Caída

Don't say you had a 'descenso' if you tripped; that's a 'caída'.

Metaphorical Use

Try using 'descenso' to describe a loss of quality in a movie or book to show off your B2/C1 skills.

Aviation Spanish

Listen for this word on Spanish flights; it means the plane is starting to land.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Descent' (English) + 'So' (it goes down). Descen-so.

Associação visual

Imagine a red arrow pointing down on a weather map or a soccer ball falling into a lower box.

Word Web

montaña avión precios temperatura fútbol relegación bajar caer

Desafio

Try to use 'descenso' in three different ways today: once for weather, once for sports, and once for a physical path.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'descensus', which is the noun form of the verb 'descendere'.

Significado original: The act of climbing down or moving down.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'descenso' to describe someone's career; it can be seen as very negative or judgmental.

English speakers often use 'drop' or 'fall' where Spanish speakers would use 'descenso' to sound more professional.

El descenso del Sella (Famous kayak race in Spain). Descenso a los infiernos (Common literary title). La zona de descenso (Crucial part of the La Liga table).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Weather Reports

  • descenso de temperaturas
  • descenso térmico
  • descenso de la cota de nieve
  • descenso brusco

Sports News

  • puestos de descenso
  • evitar el descenso
  • lucha por el descenso
  • descenso directo

Business/Economy

  • descenso de ventas
  • descenso de beneficios
  • descenso de la inflación
  • descenso de precios

Aviation

  • iniciar el descenso
  • ángulo de descenso
  • descenso final
  • autorizado para el descenso

Mountain Sports

  • vía de descenso
  • descenso de barrancos
  • descenso en esquí
  • equipo de descenso

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que habrá un descenso de las temperaturas este fin de semana?"

"¿Qué equipo crees que sufrirá el descenso este año en la liga?"

"¿Has notado un descenso en la calidad de los servicios últimamente?"

"¿Prefieres el ascenso o el descenso cuando vas de excursión?"

"¿Cómo podemos evitar el descenso de la motivación en el trabajo?"

Temas para diário

Describe un momento en el que experimentaste un descenso físico, como bajar una montaña o un edificio alto.

Escribe sobre un descenso en los precios que te haya beneficiado recientemente.

Reflexiona sobre un 'descenso a los infiernos' literario o cinematográfico que te haya impactado.

¿Qué medidas tomarías para frenar el descenso de la población en las zonas rurales?

Describe cómo te sientes durante el descenso de un avión antes de aterrizar.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Es masculino: 'el descenso'. Nunca digas 'la descenso'.

Es más común decir 'pérdida de peso' o 'bajada de peso', pero 'descenso de peso' se usa en contextos médicos formales.

'Descenso' suele ser controlado o un proceso (como un avión bajando), mientras que 'caída' suele ser un accidente o un colapso repentino.

Se dice 'el descenso'. Por ejemplo: 'El equipo bajó a segunda división tras el descenso'.

Sí, es el término más común en los informes del tiempo: 'descenso de temperaturas'.

Es una frase hecha que significa pasar por un periodo de gran sufrimiento o degradación personal.

Sí, es muy común en noticias, deportes y contextos profesionales.

En España suena como 's' seguida de 'th'. En América suena como una 's' larga o normal.

El antónimo principal es 'ascenso'.

Sí, para referirse a su posición en una jerarquía o su estado de ánimo (aunque 'decaimiento' es más común para el ánimo).

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de las temperaturas.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' para describir un avión.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de un equipo de fútbol.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' en un contexto económico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe un descenso físico en una montaña.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' con el adjetivo 'brusco'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de la marea.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' en una frase sobre la salud.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de la natalidad.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' en una frase poética sobre la tarde.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' para hablar de una democión laboral.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un descenso en paracaídas.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' con 'paulatino'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe sobre el 'descenso a los infiernos' de un personaje.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' en una frase sobre la contaminación.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de un río.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' con la preposición 'desde'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe sobre un descenso en la calidad de algo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Usa 'descenso' en un contexto científico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el descenso de la inflación.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronuncia 'descenso' enfatizando la segunda sílaba.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso de las temperaturas'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Iniciamos el descenso final'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Explica qué es un 'descenso brusco'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El equipo evitó el descenso'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronuncia 'descenso crioscópico'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Un descenso paulatino de los precios'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso de la natalidad preocupa'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Explica la diferencia entre 'descenso' y 'caída'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Estamos en plena zona de descenso'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso del sol es hermoso'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Sufrió un descenso de categoría profesional'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso de la marea fue lento'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Hubo un descenso notable en la bolsa'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Iniciamos el descenso de los barrancos'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El ritmo de descenso es alarmante'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Notamos un descenso en la calidad'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso fue controlado por expertos'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'El descenso de la inflación es vital'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di 'Me gusta el descenso en bicicleta'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué palabra escuchas? (Audio: 'El descenso')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Escuchas 'ascenso' o 'descenso'? (Audio: 'descenso')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿De qué trata la noticia? (Audio: 'Descenso de las temperaturas')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de los precios')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué inició el avión? (Audio: 'El avión inició el descenso')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Cómo es el descenso? (Audio: 'Un descenso brusco')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué equipo se menciona? (Audio: 'El equipo está en descenso')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de la natalidad')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué fase del vuelo es? (Audio: 'Iniciamos el descenso final')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de la inflación')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de la marea')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de ventas')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Cómo es el descenso? (Audio: 'Descenso paulatino')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de la fiebre')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

¿Qué bajó? (Audio: 'Descenso de la luz')

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!