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How to Say "downcast" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abatido

ah-bah-TEE-doha.βaˈti.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'abatido' when describing someone who is dejected, dispirited, or utterly discouraged, often as a result of specific bad news or a setback.
A sad small person sitting on a park bench with shoulders slumped and head down.

Examples

Se sentía abatido después de recibir las malas noticias.

He felt dejected after receiving the bad news.

Caminaba con la mirada abatida y los hombros caídos.

He walked with a downcast gaze and slumped shoulders.

El equipo regresó abatido tras la derrota en la final.

The team returned discouraged after the loss in the final.

Using 'Estar' for Moods

Use 'estar' with 'abatido' when describing how someone feels right now, as it describes a temporary emotional state.

Matching Gender

Remember to change the ending to 'abatida' if you are describing a woman or a feminine noun.

Abatido vs. Cansado

Mistake: “Using 'abatido' to mean just 'sleepy'.”

Correction: Use 'abatido' for deep emotional sadness or total exhaustion, not just being ready for bed.

caído

adjectiveA2general
Employ 'caído' to describe a mood or spirits that are low or fallen, suggesting a general state of being down or lacking energy, similar to 'low-spirited'.

Examples

Sus ánimos caídos no le permitían concentrarse.

His low spirits did not allow him to concentrate.

baja

BA-haˈbaxa

adjectiveA1general
Use 'baja' specifically when referring to a downward gaze or a low mood, often implying a lack of energy or enthusiasm, but note it's less about deep sadness and more about being subdued.
A very short wooden table next to a much taller chair, illustrating the concept of 'low' height.

Examples

Con una mirada baja, evitaba el contacto visual.

With a downcast gaze, he avoided eye contact.

La mesa es muy baja para mí.

The table is too low for me.

Mi hermana es más baja que yo.

My sister is shorter than me.

Habla con la voz más baja, por favor.

Speak with a lower voice, please.

Matching the Noun

'Baja' is the feminine form of the adjective 'bajo'. You must use 'baja' to describe feminine things, like 'la mesa' (the table) or 'la silla' (the chair). For masculine things, you use 'bajo', like 'el precio bajo' (the low price).

Mixing up 'baja' and 'corta'

Mistake: “La falda es muy baja.”

Correction: La falda es muy corta. Use 'corta' for the length of objects like skirts or pants. Use 'baja' for height or level, like a low table or a short person.

Distinguishing 'Abatido' from 'Caído' and 'Baja'

Learners often confuse 'abatido' with 'caído' or 'baja'. Remember that 'abatido' implies a deeper sense of dejection, often linked to a specific event. 'Caído' and 'baja' are more general terms for low spirits or a downward look, with 'baja' being simpler and more common for a simple downward gaze.

Related Translations

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