Cállate
informal, direct
The most common informal way to say "be quiet" is Cállate. Chitón is a playful way to ask for silence, and Cierra la boca is rude.
Meaning: telling someone to be quiet, informal (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Cállate | informal, direct |
| Chitón | informal, playful |
| Cierra la boca | rude |
Cállate can be sharp, so tone decides. A friendly Shhh or Silencio is gentler. Chitón is often used when sharing a secret.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be polite use Por favor, guarde silencio or Silencio, por favor. Never use cállate with elders or strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cállate is the tú command of callarse. To several people say Cállense in Latin America.
Did you know?
- Chitón is an interjection used to command silence, and its exact origin is unclear.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate ya!Be quiet already!
- Chitón, que viene el jefe.Hush, the boss is coming.
- Silencio, por favor.Silence, please.
Example conversation
A mother, Pilar, and her son Leo wait outside a sleeping baby's room.
- PilarLeo, shhh, el bebé duerme.Leo, shhh, the baby is sleeping.
- LeoPerdón. ¿Me callo?Sorry. Should I be quiet?
- PilarSí, chitón hasta que despierte.Yes, hush until he wakes.
