descender
“descender” means “to go down” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to go down, to descend
Also: to get off
📝 In Action
El avión empezó a descender lentamente.
A2The plane began to descend slowly.
Tuvimos que descender la montaña antes del anochecer.
B1We had to go down the mountain before nightfall.
Por favor, desciendan del autobús por la puerta trasera.
B1Please, get off the bus through the back door.
to decrease, to drop
Also: to be relegated
📝 In Action
Las temperaturas van a descender esta noche.
A2Temperatures are going to drop tonight.
El desempleo descendió un tres por ciento.
B1Unemployment decreased by three percent.
El equipo descendió a segunda división.
B2The team was relegated to the second division.
to be descended from
Also: to originate
📝 In Action
Muchos habitantes de esta isla descienden de piratas.
B2Many inhabitants of this island are descended from pirates.
Ella dice que desciende de la nobleza europea.
C1She says she is descended from European nobility.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: descender
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I am going down' using 'descender'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'descendere', which is made of 'de-' (down) and 'scandere' (to climb). So it literally means 'to climb down'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'bajar' and 'descender'?
'Bajar' is the common, everyday word for 'going down'. 'Descender' is more formal and is often used in technical, journalistic, or travel contexts.
Is 'descender' irregular in the past tense?
No, 'descender' is regular in the preterite (simple past) tense. The vowel change only happens in the present tense and present subjunctive.
Can I use 'descender' for stepping off a train?
Yes, although 'bajar' or 'bajarse' is more common in conversation, you will often hear 'descender' in formal train station announcements.