Inklingo

How to Say "drop" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “drop” is “baja” — use 'baja' when referring to a sudden decrease or fall in numbers, such as temperatures or prices.

baja🔊B1

Use 'baja' when referring to a sudden decrease or fall in numbers, such as temperatures or prices.

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bajada🔊B1

Choose 'bajada' for a general decrease or decline in intensity or amount, often used for trends like temperature changes.

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caídaB1

Use 'caída' when referring to a significant fall or collapse, especially in stock markets, prices, or sometimes temperature.

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descenso🔊B1

Use 'descenso' to describe a downward movement or a significant decrease in quantity, often used for physical descents like from a mountain.

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gota🔊A1

Use 'gota' for a literal, small, spherical drop of liquid, like water, rain, or a single drop of a substance.

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lágrimaA1

Use 'lágrima' to refer to a single drop of liquid that forms 'legs' on a glass or a very small amount of liquid, not a tear.

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tirar🔊A1

Use 'tirar' when 'drop' means to let something fall or to throw it, implying an action of releasing.

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English → Spanish

baja

BA-haˈbaxa

nounB1
Use 'baja' when referring to a sudden decrease or fall in numbers, such as temperatures or prices.
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.

bajada

ba-HA-dahbaˈxaða

nounB1
Choose 'bajada' for a general decrease or decline in intensity or amount, often used for trends like temperature changes.
A bright red ball rolling down a gentle grassy slope.

Examples

Se espera una bajada de las temperaturas para este fin de semana.

A drop in temperatures is expected for this weekend.

La tienda anunció una gran bajada de precios.

The store announced a big price reduction.

Hubo una bajada en el número de turistas este año.

There was a fall in the number of tourists this year.

Abstract Decreases

Spanish uses 'bajada' for almost any numerical or abstract decrease, just like 'drop' or 'fall' in English.

Plural vs Singular

You can use 'bajada' in singular for a general trend, or 'bajadas' in plural for multiple specific instances of dropping.

Avoid 'caída' for small changes

Mistake: “Hubo una caída de un uno por ciento.”

Correction: Hubo una bajada de un uno por ciento.

caída

nounB1
Use 'caída' when referring to a significant fall or collapse, especially in stock markets, prices, or sometimes temperature.

Examples

La caída de la bolsa fue una sorpresa para todos los inversores.

The drop in the stock market was a surprise for all investors.

descenso

des-SEN-sodesˈsenso

nounB1
Use 'descenso' to describe a downward movement or a significant decrease in quantity, often used for physical descents like from a mountain.
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.

gota

GOH-tahˈɡo.ta

nounA1
Use 'gota' for a literal, small, spherical drop of liquid, like water, rain, or a single drop of a substance.
A perfectly spherical, clear blue drop of water floating against a simple background.

Examples

Necesito solo una gota de miel para mi té.

I only need one drop of honey for my tea.

Cayó una gota de lluvia sobre mi cabeza.

A raindrop fell on my head.

Por favor, dame las gotas para los ojos.

Please give me the eye drops.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'gota' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la gota' or 'una gota'.

lágrima

nounA1
Use 'lágrima' to refer to a single drop of liquid that forms 'legs' on a glass or a very small amount of liquid, not a tear.

Examples

Vio una lágrima de vino en el borde de la copa.

He saw a drop of wine on the rim of the glass.

tirar

verbA1
Use 'tirar' when 'drop' means to let something fall or to throw it, implying an action of releasing.

Examples

Quiero que usted tire la pelota lejos.

I want you (formal) to throw the ball far away.

Confusing Decreases vs. Literal Drops

Learners often confuse nouns like 'baja', 'bajada', and 'caída' with 'gota'. Remember that 'gota' refers to a physical, small amount of liquid, while the others describe a reduction in quantity or intensity.

Related Translations

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