cállense los dos
/kaʝense los dos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "both of you, shut up" is expressed in Spanish as cállense los dos.
This phrase is a command used to tell two people to stop talking immediately.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative cállense (shut up/be quiet) and los dos (the two/both).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase cállense los dos is informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use different variations to express this command. In Spain, you may hear ¡Los dos, callaos! as a direct and informal way to tell both individuals to shut up. In Latin American Spanish, you might say ¡Ustedes dos, cállense! among friends to express annoyance. In Mexico, the phrase cállense la boca is used to mean "shut your mouth".
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝense los dos/
Did you know?
- The verb callar has a double meaning and can be used to describe the act of keeping a secret, such as in the phrase callar un secreto.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using cállense is perceived as significantly more aggressive than the English phrase 'be quiet'.
- The word dos shares a common ancestor with the English word 'two' and the Ancient Greek word 'δύο', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root '*dwóh₁'.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállense los dos ahora mismo!Both of you, shut up right now!
- Por favor, cállense los dos.Please, both of you, shut up.
Example conversation
A teacher is trying to calm a classroom during a lesson.
- María¡Cállense los dos!Both of you, shut up!
- AlejandroLo siento, María.I am sorry, María.
- MaríaSilencio en la clase.Silence in the class.
- AlejandroEstá bien, ya no hablaremos.Okay, we won't talk anymore.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dos, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
