Spanish Phrase
Baja la voz.
Meaning
A direct, informal command meaning ‘lower your voice’ or ‘speak more quietly.’ It’s used when you want someone to reduce the volume of their speech.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings—among friends, classmates, or in casual public places—when you need someone to speak more quietly. In formal contexts, switch to the usted form: “Baje la voz.”
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bajalavoz.
Imperative (tú)
For regular -ar verbs, drop the -ar and add -a to form the informal tú command (bajar → baja).
Definite article (la)
‘la’ is the feminine singular definite article, matching the gender of ‘voz’.
Noun gender (voz)
‘voz’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘voice’; it takes the article ‘la’.
🗨In Conversation
Baja la voz, por favor. Estamos en la biblioteca.
Lower your voice, please. We're in the library.
¡Claro! Lo haré.
Sure! I’ll do it.
✕Common Mistakes
Baje la voz, por favor.
‘Baje’ is the formal usted command; use it only with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
Bajar la voz ahora.
This is the infinitive form and cannot be used as a direct command.
Baja la voces.
‘Voces’ is plural; the phrase refers to a single voice, so keep it singular.
↔Alternatives
Habla más bajo.
Speak more quietly.
Reduce el volumen.
Reduce the volume.
Silencia un poco.
Quiet down a bit.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, speaking loudly in public spaces like libraries, museums, or public transport is considered impolite. Using “Baja la voz” is a polite yet firm way to ask someone to be quieter without sounding confrontational. Remember to adjust the formality: “Baje la voz” for strangers or elders, “Baja la voz” for peers.