Inklingo

How to Say "to download" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to download” is “descargar” — use 'descargar' when downloading digital files, software, or applications, especially from the internet.

English → Spanish

descargar

dehs-kar-GAHRdeskaɾˈɣaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'descargar' when downloading digital files, software, or applications, especially from the internet.
A blue arrow pointing down onto a silver laptop computer.

Examples

Tengo que descargar la aplicación para pedir comida.

I have to download the app to order food.

No puedo abrir el archivo porque no se descargó bien.

I can't open the file because it didn't download properly.

Haz clic aquí para descargar el PDF.

Click here to download the PDF.

Spelling Change in the Past

When talking about 'I downloaded' (Past/Preterite), the 'g' changes to 'gu' (descargué) to keep the hard 'g' sound. Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j'!

Using 'de' for Sources

When you download something from a website, use 'de' or 'desde'. Example: 'Descargar música de internet'.

Confusing Download and Upload

Mistake: “Voy a descargar mis fotos a la nube.”

Correction: Voy a subir mis fotos a la nube. Use 'subir' (to go up) for putting things on the internet, and 'descargar' (to unload) for taking them off.

bajar

ba-HARbaˈxaɾ

verbB1informal
Use 'bajar' for downloading digital files or data, often in a more informal or general context.
A graphic showing a downward arrow moving from a cloud symbol towards a laptop screen, symbolizing a data transfer.

Examples

Voy a bajar un PDF con la información.

I'm going to download a PDF with the information.

Tardamos diez minutos en bajar el archivo completo.

It took us ten minutes to download the whole file.

Digital Lingo

While 'descargar' is also used for 'to download' and is technically more precise, in casual conversation, especially in Latin America, 'bajar' is often the preferred and shortest way to express this action.

Descargar vs. Bajar for 'to download'

Learners often wonder if they should use 'descargar' or 'bajar'. While 'bajar' can mean 'to download', 'descargar' is more specific and common for downloading files, software, and apps from the internet.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.