Illustration comparing the Portuguese prepositions abaixo, debaixo, and por baixo, showing their use for “below,” “under,” and movement under objects in European Portuguese.

Debaixo, Por Baixo, and Abaixo – How to Use These Prepositions in European Portuguese

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Portuguese prepositions can be tricky, especially when several expressions seem to mean “below” or “under.” In this lesson, you’ll learn the difference between debaixo, por baixo, and abaixo and how to use them naturally in European Portuguese.

We’ll break down each expression with clear explanations, practical examples, and common mistakes learners make.

In this grammar-focused guide, we’ll break down each preposition, give clear examples, and highlight common mistakes.

For a more natural, real-life context, watch my conversation video with Luke here – where we touch on this topic a little bit.

Table Of Contents
  1. 1. Abaixo – Abstract “Below”
  2. 2. Debaixo – Literal “Underneath”
  3. 3. Por Baixo – Motion “Under”
  4. 4. Bonus Examples & Cultural Context
  5. 5. Related Lessons for Further Portuguese Learning

1. Abaixo – Abstract “Below”

Use: Refers to a position below something, usually in a more abstract sense.

✅ Grammar Guide: Often an adverb of place used for standards, levels, or measurements.

BUT…

When followed by de (abaixo de), it becomes a prepositional phrase.

Examples:

  • O nível do mar está abaixo da média. (The sea level is below average.)
  • A temperatura hoje está abaixo do normal. (The temperature today is below normal.)
  • Os resultados da empresa estão abaixo das expectativas. (The company’s results are below expectations.)

Tip: Think of abaixo as “below” in measurements, standards, or non-physical contexts.

Thermometer showing temperature below normal - illustrating “abaixo” in European Portuguese.
The temperature is below normal.
Ocean water level below average - illustrating the Portuguese preposition “abaixo”
The sea level is below average.
Graph showing company results below expectations - illustrating “abaixo” in European Portuguese
The company’s results are below expectations.

2. Debaixo – Literal “Underneath”

Use: Refers to physical placement under something solid.

✅ Grammar Guide: This is an adverbial expression usually used with de:

  • O gato está debaixo da mesa. (The cat is under the table.)
  • Guarde os sapatos debaixo da cama. (Put the shoes under the bed.)
  • O cão dorme debaixo da cadeira. (The dog sleeps under the chair.)

Tip: If it’s physically under something, use debaixo.

Shoes under the bed - illustrating “debaixo” in European Portuguese
The shoes are under the bed.
Cat under the table - illustrating the preposition “debaixo” in European Portuguese
The cat is under the table.
Dog sleeping under a chair - illustrating “debaixo”
The dog sleeps under the chair.

3. Por Baixo – Motion “Under”

Use: Refers to movement under or beneath something.

✅ Grammar Guide: This is an adverbial expression of movement that functions with de:

  • Ele passou por baixo da ponte. (He went under the bridge.)
  • O carro passou por baixo da árvore. (The car passed under the tree.)
  • A bola rolou por baixo da mesa. (The ball rolled under the table.)

Tip: If there’s motion involved, think por baixo.

Boat passing under a bridge - illustrating “por baixo” in European Portuguese
The boat passes under the bridge.
Car passing under a tree - illustrating “por baixo” in European Portuguese
The car passed under the tree.
Ball rolling under a table - illustrating “por baixo” in European Portuguese
The ball rolled under the table.

4. Bonus Examples & Cultural Context

Portuguese prepositions appear everywhere, even in daily conversations and idioms:

  • Abaixo da média → can refer to scores, ratings, or abstract ideas.
  • Debaixo da mesa → literal physical placement under a table or object.
  • Passar por baixo de algo → movement under something.

💡 Understanding these nuances will make your Portuguese sound much more natural!

5. Related Lessons for Further Portuguese Learning

Learning prepositions in Portuguese doesn’t have to be confusing. By combining grammar rules, examples, and real conversations, you’ll understand not only how to use debaixo, por baixo, and abaixo, but also when.

Até breve,
Adelina 🌸

Portuguese Grammar | The Portuguese Learning Hub

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