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"Al lado" is a phrase which is often translated as "nearby", and "abajo" is an adverb which is often translated as "down". Learn more about the difference between "al lado" and "abajo" below.
al lado(
ahl
lah
-
doh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
abajo(
ah
-
bah
-
hoh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (position)
b. below
Me gusta bastante ese cuadro, pero prefiero el que está abajo.I quite like that painting, but I prefer the one below.
c. underneath
Él durmió en la litera de arriba y yo abajo.He slept on the top bunk, and I slept underneath.
2. (direction)
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Haz un boceto del edificio visto desde abajo.Draw a sketch of the building seen from below.
Íbamos para abajo en el elevador cuando se descompuso.We were going down in the elevator when it broke down.
5. (after noun)
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
La canoa avanzaba río abajo.The canoe moved downriver.
La riada arrastró los carros calle abajo.The flood swept the cars down the road.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Todo el equipo fue despedido, de la coordinadora para abajo.The entire team was fired, from the coordinator down.
Aceptamos a niños de 12 años para abajo.We admit children aged 12 or under.
7. (in a text)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
