Debaixo vs. De Baixo: How to Say ‘Under’ in Portuguese
Debaixo de means ‘under’; de baixo describes the lower one or something coming from downstairs.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
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.
Use debaixo de to locate something underneath
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.
O gato está debaixo da cama.
The cat is under the bed.
Deixei as chaves debaixo do jornal.
I left the keys under the newspaper.
A entrada fica debaixo da varanda.
The entrance is beneath the balcony.
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.
Meu escritório fica no andar de baixo.
My office is on the floor below.
Escolha a gaveta de baixo.
Choose the lower drawer.
Ouvi alguém chamar lá de baixo.
I heard someone call from downstairs.
Put it into practice
Use debaixo de for ‘under/beneath.’ Use de baixo when baixo describes a lower level, item, or source, as in andar de baixo.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The cat is under the bed”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.