Debaixo vs. De Baixo: How to Say ‘Under’ in Portuguese — Practice

Use debaixo de to locate something underneath

Debaixo is written as one word when it functions as an adverb or preposition meaning ‘under’ or ‘beneath.’ It usually connects to the reference point with de: debaixo da mesa, debaixo do sofá, debaixo de uma árvore. Contract de with the article when needed: de + a becomes da and de + o becomes do.

This is the common choice when you answer ‘where is it?’ or describe something positioned below another object. You can often substitute sob, though sob may sound more formal.

Use de baixo to describe a lower item or origin

De baixo is written as two words when baixo acts as an adjective or identifies a lower level: o andar de baixo (the floor below), a gaveta de baixo (the lower drawer), or uma voz de baixo volume (a low-volume voice). It can also mean ‘from downstairs’ in a contrast such as alguém de cima e alguém de baixo.

Look at the noun or movement around it. If baixo describes which item or level you mean, keep de and baixo separate. In the fixed location meaning ‘under the table,’ use debaixo da mesa as one word.

Remember: Use debaixo de for ‘under/beneath.’ Use de baixo when baixo describes a lower level, item, or source, as in andar de baixo.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. The cat is under the bed.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O gato está debaixo da cama.

2. I left the keys under the newspaper.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixei as chaves debaixo do jornal.

3. The entrance is beneath the balcony.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A entrada fica debaixo da varanda.

4. My office is on the floor below.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Meu escritório fica no andar de baixo.

5. Choose the lower drawer.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Escolha a gaveta de baixo.

6. I heard someone call from downstairs.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ouvi alguém chamar lá de baixo.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use debaixo de for ‘under/beneath.’ Use de baixo when baixo describes a lower level, item, or source, as in andar de baixo.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Debaixo vs. De Baixo: How to Say ‘Under’ in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.