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How to Say "decrease" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “decrease” is “baja” — use 'baja' when referring to a sudden or significant drop in value, quantity, or temperature, often implying an unexpected event.

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baja

BA-haˈbaxa

nounB1general
Use 'baja' when referring to a sudden or significant drop in value, quantity, or temperature, often implying an unexpected event.
A large, simple thermometer showing the red liquid line rapidly dropping towards the bottom of the tube.

Examples

Hubo una baja repentina de las temperaturas.

There was a sudden drop in temperatures.

La empresa anunció una baja en los precios.

The company announced a decrease in prices.

El equipo sufrió una baja importante en su rendimiento.

The team suffered a significant drop in its performance.

descenso

des-SEN-sodesˈsenso

nounB1general
Choose 'descenso' for a reduction in numbers or levels, or specifically for the act of going down, like a physical descent.
A hiker walking down a steep mountain path toward a valley.

Examples

El descenso de la montaña duró tres horas.

The descent from the mountain lasted three hours.

Hubo un descenso en las temperaturas esta noche.

There was a drop in temperatures tonight.

Los economistas predicen un descenso de los precios.

Economists predict a decrease in prices.

A Masculine 'O' Noun

This word follows the standard rule: it ends in 'o' and is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using 'de' for what is dropping

When you want to say what is going down (like prices or water), just put 'de' after descenso. For example: 'descenso de agua'.

Descenso vs. Bajada

Mistake: “Using 'descenso' for a simple flight of stairs.”

Correction: Use 'bajada' for everyday things like stairs or hills. Use 'descenso' for technical things, sports, or long mountain treks.

disminución

nounB1general
This is a versatile term for a general reduction in amount or size, applicable to prices, population, or almost any quantifiable thing.

Examples

Hay una disminución en el precio de la fruta.

There is a decrease in the price of fruit.

reducción

nounB1general
Use 'reducción' when referring to a deliberate lowering of levels, such as price cuts or staff reductions, often implying an action taken by someone.

Examples

La tienda anunció una reducción de precios.

The store announced a price reduction.

rebaja

re-BA-hareˈβaxa

nounB1general
Opt for 'rebaja' when talking about a price reduction or a discount offered, or a lessening of a penalty or burden.
A simple line graph showing a downward trend, represented by a colorful ball rolling down a gentle slope.

Examples

El abogado logró una rebaja de la condena para su cliente.

The lawyer achieved a reduction of the sentence for his client.

La rebaja de impuestos beneficiará a las pequeñas empresas.

The tax cut will benefit small businesses.

Se nota una rebaja en la calidad del servicio últimamente.

There is a noticeable drop in the quality of service lately.

Abstract Use

Unlike the shopping meaning, when talking about taxes or sentences, 'rebaja' is often followed by the word 'de' to explain what is being reduced.

Confusion with 'Bajar'

Mistake: “Hubo una baja de impuestos.”

Correction: Hubo una rebaja de impuestos.

General vs. Specific Decrease

Learners often confuse 'disminución' and 'reducción' with more specific terms like 'baja' or 'rebaja'. While 'disminución' is a good general term, use 'baja' for sudden drops and 'rebaja' specifically for price cuts or sentence reductions.

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