cállate ya
/kaʝate ʝa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "be quiet now" is translated into Spanish as cállate ya.
The phrase is an imperative used to tell someone to stop talking immediately. In this context, the word ya functions as an intensifier to demand immediate compliance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb callarse (to shut up) in the imperative form and the adverb ya (already/now), literally meaning "shut yourself up already".
Which one should you use?
cállate ya is much more blunt and can be perceived as rude or aggressive compared to silencio, por favor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the onomatopoeic word chito is commonly used to ask for silence.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person, use the plural imperative cállense instead of cállate.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝate ʝa/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, a playful version of cállate is used among close friends as a way of saying 'no way' or 'you are joking'.
- While cállate ya is a command for silence, the root verb callar can also mean to keep a secret or to withhold information.
- The verb callar is used in the expression callar en seco, which describes cutting someone off mid-sentence with a sudden and blunt reply.
Examples in context
- Cállate ya, que no puedo dormir.Be quiet now, I cannot sleep.
- Cállate ya, estoy intentando estudiar.Be quiet now, I am trying to study.
- ¡Cállate ya! Me duele la cabeza.Be quiet now! My head hurts.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are studying in a library.
- JavierSofía, cállate ya.Sofía, be quiet now.
- SofíaSolo estoy preguntando algo.I'm just asking something.
- JavierLa gente nos está mirando.People are looking at us.
- SofíaEstá bien, lo siento.Okay, I'm sorry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
