How to Say “Be Quiet” in Spanish

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cállate
/ˈkaʝate/
The Spanish phrase for 'be quiet' is cállate.
The phrase is an imperative used to tell someone to stop talking. While cállate is direct and can be perceived as rude, guarda silencio is a more polite and formal way to request silence. Adding la boca (the mouth) to cállate makes the command more aggressive and insulting, similar to 'shut your trap' in English.

What does it mean word for word?

cállate is a combination of the verb callar (to be silent) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself), literally meaning 'shut yourself up'.

Which one should you use?

The single word ¡Silencio! is often used by authority figures (like teachers or conductors) to command silence more broadly than the personal command cállate. In an informal context, you might also hear Calla or Baja la voz (lower your voice).

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

cállate is an informal way to say 'shut up'. For formal situations, you can use Por favor, haga silencio (Please be quiet) or Le ruego que guarde silencio (I beg you to be quiet). If you are addressing a group formally, use Les solicito que mantengan silencio (I request that you all remain quiet).

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, cállate is prevalent. In Mexico, the phrase Cállate la boca is used to mean 'Shut up'. In Argentina, the word Chitón is used to ask someone to be quiet.

How does it change in a sentence?

The form changes depending on whom you are addressing: use cállese for a single person in a formal context, and use cállense to tell a group of people to be quiet.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈkaʝate/

Did you know?

  • In Mexico, cállate la boca is frequently used between close friends as an expression of disbelief, similar to the English 'no way'.
  • The word callar does not only mean to stop talking, but can also mean 'to conceal' or 'to hide' a secret.
  • While cállate is a standard command, the term chitón used in Argentina is actually an onomatopoeia that mimics the sound of being silenced.

Examples in context

  • Haz el favor y cállate.
    Just please be quiet.
    This sentence shows how to use cállate when asking someone to be quiet as a favor.
    Tatoeba #4554641 by swyter, translation #3410846 by CK
  • Cuando hable, ¡cállate y escucha!
    When I speak, you be quiet and listen!
    This sentence demonstrates using cállate to demand silence while someone else is speaking.
    Tatoeba #3276697 by cueyayotl, translation #796128 by awynands
  • Por favor cállate y déjame terminar.
    Please be quiet and let me finish.
    This sentence illustrates using cállate alongside a request to let someone finish.
    Tatoeba #4776772 by alegarvid, translation #4015937 by CK
  • 6 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Javier and Elena are at the cinema during a movie.

  1. Sofía

    Elena, cállate un momento.
    Elena, be quiet for a moment.
  2. Daniel

    Lo siento, Javier, no volverá a pasar.
    I'm sorry, Javier, it won't happen again.
  3. Sofía

    Está bien, solo quiero ver la película.
    It's okay, I just want to watch the movie.
  4. Daniel

    Tienes razón, me quedaré callada.
    You're right, I'll stay quiet.

Sources

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Damian Maxwell
Damian MaxwellHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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