De Bajo De?

Question

When do you use “de bajo de” versus just “bajo” for under? Also why does lobster not have the definite article? Thanks.

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Samantha S.
"Bajo" is a simple preposition meaning 'under' or 'beneath' and is often used with abstract concepts or as a direct preposition.
For example:
Está bajo el puente. (It's under the bridge.)
Vive bajo presión. (He/She lives under pressure.)
"Debajo de" is a compound preposition that explicitly means 'underneath' something and is usually followed by "de" + a noun.
For example:
Está debajo de la mesa. (It's underneath the table.)
So, "debajo de" is more specific and commonly used for physical locations, while "bajo" can have a broader usage.
On the other hand, in Spanish, when talking about general categories of food, animals, or materials, the definite article (el/la/los/las) is often omitted after verbs like "comer", "comprar", or "sugerir", unless we are referring to something specific.
For example:
El chef sugirió langosta y un buen vino. (The chef suggested lobster and a good wine.) → General reference, no article needed.
El chef sugirió la langosta que preparó hoy. (The chef suggested the lobster he prepared today.) → Specific reference, so we use "la".
Let us know if you need more clarification! 😊
Saludos
Silvia