Rebajar y bajar

Question

Today's word of the day, rebajar, is very similar to bajar. According to RAE, one of the definitions of rebajar (tr) is bajar.

Can someone explain the nuance of difference? When would I prefer to use each one?

Answer 1

Hi, pesta!

Although they have very similar meanings, one is more used that the other according to different contexts.

In Spain, "rebajar" is a more especific word, mainly used for:

Prices:

Rebajas: hemos rebajado los precios hasta un 50%

Sales : we're reducing our prices until a 50%

Alcoholic drinks:

Rebájame un poco la copa, que está cargadísima

Please , could you add some ice, (or coca-cola) to my drink? because it is too strong.

Taxes, incomings:

La empresa me ha rebajado el sueldo

The company has reduced my salary.

And a few more uses, whereas "bajar" is much more general.

"Bajar" can be applied to the sentences above (excepting maybe the second one, which would take more appropriatly "diluir") and admits a lot of other uses.

Wow, very informative Laura. :) - Deanski, Feb 17, 2011

"...(by) up to 50% (off)..."* - Goldie_Miel, Feb 17, 2011

Did the Spanish sentence mean "up to 50% off" or "by as low as 50%"? They're the same value, yes, but I want to be consistent with how it's said in Spanish. - Deanski, Feb 17, 2011

Congumela, your finger slipped, "specific". - Leatha, Feb 17, 2011

Rebajas: hemos rebajado los precios hasta un 50% - rikmt, Nov 8, 2011

Sales : we're reducing our prices TO 50% (correct?) - rikmt, Nov 8, 2011

Answer 2

Answering cristalino:

Is it appropriate to say in Spanish, "Quiero rebajarme el peso" to indicate I am trying to lose body weight, as in exercise and diet?

Not too much. In any case you should say : Quiero rebajar peso.

We'd use preferently:

Quiero perder peso

Quiero bajar de peso

Quiero adelgazar

Thanks Cogu! Now I can use both languages at the "gimnasio" for my own pursuit! ;o) - cristalino, Feb 17, 2011

Answer 3

Is it appropriate to say in Spanish, "Quiero rebajarme el peso" to indicate I am trying to lose body weight, as in exercise and diet? Or does "Voy a bajar me el peso" have any merit? The latter sounds less "correct" but can both be used and understood equally? Or what's more, is it appropriate to say: "Quiero perder el peso" Thanks!