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How to Say "to decrease" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bajar

ba-HARbaˈxaɾ

verbA2formal or numerical reduction
Use this word for a direct or numerical reduction, especially for volume, speed, or a formal request to lower something.
A cartoon hand pushing a large, brightly colored lever downwards.

Examples

Por favor, baja el volumen de la música, está muy alto.

Please, lower the volume of the music, it's too high.

Dicen que van a bajar los impuestos este año.

They say they are going to lower taxes this year.

Confusing 'bajar' and 'reducir'

Mistake: “Using 'reducir' for volume/light: 'Voy a reducir la luz.'”

Correction: Use 'bajar' for levels and intensities, as in 'Voy a bajar la luz/el volumen.' 'Reducir' is better for size or complexity.

disminuir

dees-mee-nwee-eerdismiˈnwiɾ

verbB1general reduction in size or amount
This is a general-purpose verb for reducing the size, quantity, or intensity of something, like consumption or effort.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a large pile of red apples on the left side and a much smaller pile of red apples on the right side.

Examples

Debes disminuir el consumo de sal.

You should reduce your salt intake.

La lluvia comenzó a disminuir por la tarde.

The rain began to let up in the afternoon.

La empresa quiere disminuir los gastos este año.

The company wants to decrease expenses this year.

The 'Y' spelling change

For verbs ending in -uir, the letter 'i' often changes to a 'y' when you say things like 'I decrease' (disminuyo) or 'they decrease' (disminuyen) to keep the pronunciation smooth.

Talking about percentages

When you want to say something decreased BY a certain amount, use the word 'en'. For example: 'Disminuyó en un 20%' (It decreased by 20%).

Avoid 'disminuó'

Mistake: “Él disminuó el precio.”

Correction: Él disminuyó el precio. Remember to use a 'y' for the 'he/she/it' form in the past (preterite) and present tenses.

descender

deh-sen-DAIRdesθenˈdeɾ

verbB1values, temperatures, or amounts
Use this word for natural decreases like falling temperatures, prices, or levels, often implying a downward movement.
A simple thermometer showing the red liquid level dropping low, surrounded by snowflakes.

Examples

Las temperaturas van a descender esta noche.

Temperatures are going to drop tonight.

El desempleo descendió un tres por ciento.

Unemployment decreased by three percent.

El equipo descendió a segunda división.

The team was relegated to the second division.

Using 'a' with Amounts

When saying something dropped TO a certain number, use 'a'. For example: 'Descendió a cero' (It dropped to zero).

Mixing up 'descender' and 'decaer'

Mistake: “La temperatura decae.”

Correction: La temperatura desciende. Use 'descender' for numbers and measurements; 'decaer' is more for energy or spirits.

Bajar vs. Disminuir

Learners often confuse 'bajar' and 'disminuir'. Remember that 'bajar' is more direct and often used for physical or auditory reductions (like volume), while 'disminuir' is broader, referring to a general reduction in quantity or intensity.

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