Inklingo

How to Say "go down" in Spanish

English → Spanish

baje

/BAH-heh//ˈba.xe/

verbA1general
Use 'baje' when referring to the physical act of descending, such as moving down stairs or a slope.
A small, simplified figure walking down three steps of a brightly colored staircase.

Examples

Quiero que él baje por las escaleras, no el ascensor.

I want him to go down the stairs, not the elevator.

¡Baje de esa mesa ahora mismo!

Get down from that table right now! (Formal command)

Formal Command ('Usted')

The form 'baje' is used when you are giving a polite, formal command to one person (Usted), telling them to go down or lower something.

Subjunctive Use

'Baje' is the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity (e.g., 'Espero que baje...' or 'Necesito que baje...').

bajen

/BAH-hen//ˈba.xen/

verbA1general
Use 'bajen' when referring to people or vehicles descending from a higher position, like getting off a bus or train, often used in the subjunctive mood to express hope or a command.
A small, round, colorful character sliding happily down a steep, winding green hill, depicting the action of descending.

Examples

Espero que los pasajeros bajen del autobús rápidamente.

I hope the passengers get off the bus quickly.

¡Bajen de la mesa ahora mismo! (Ustedes, formal command)

Get down from the table right now! (You all, formal command)

El guardia ordenó que ellos bajen las escaleras.

The guard ordered them to go down the stairs. (Subjunctive use after a command)

Formal Plural Command

The form 'bajen' is the standard way to give a direct, formal command to a group of people ('ustedes').

Subjunctive Use

'Bajen' is also used when expressing wishes, desires, or doubt about a group of people ('ellos', 'ellas', or 'ustedes') going down. For example: 'Quiero que bajen' (I want them/you all to go down).

Mixing Command Forms

Mistake: “Using 'bajan' (indicative) instead of 'bajen' (command/subjunctive) for a request.”

Correction: Always use 'bajen' when telling 'ustedes' or 'ellos/ellas' what to do, or when expressing uncertainty/desire about their action.

Baje vs. Bajen

Learners often confuse 'baje' and 'bajen' because they both relate to descending. Remember that 'baje' is typically for general physical descent, while 'bajen' is often used for people disembarking from vehicles or in specific subjunctive contexts.

Related Translations

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