cálmate, cariño
The phrase "calm down, baby" in Spanish is translated as cálmate, cariño.
This phrase is used to tell a romantic partner or a loved one to relax and stop being upset.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cálmate is a reflexive imperative formed from the verb calmar (to calm) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself), literally meaning "calm yourself".
Which one should you use?
You may also see the informal version Tranquilo(a), bebé.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cálmate is the informal singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person you know well.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, telling a partner to cálmate can be perceived as dismissive or patronizing, potentially escalating the argument.
- The word bebé is used as a romantic nickname in many Latin American countries, but in Spain it is more commonly reserved for actual infants.
- The origin of the word cariño is somewhat mysterious and may have entered Spanish through the Aragonese word carinyo.
Examples in context
- María, mantén la calma, bebé. Todo saldrá bien.Maria, keep calm, baby. Everything will be alright.
- Ana, estate tranquila, bebé. No te preocupes tanto.Ana, stay calm, baby. Don't worry too much.
- Amigo, tranquilo, bebé. Lo solucionaremos juntos.Buddy, calm down, baby. We will solve it together.
- Cálmate, cariño, no es para tanto.Calm down, baby, it's not that big a deal.
- Todo va a estar bien, cálmate, cariño.Everything is going to be fine, calm down, baby.
- Cálmate, cariño, respira profundo.Calm down, baby, take a deep breath.
Example conversation
Javier is trying to comfort Elena after a stressful day.
- JavierCálmate, cariño, ya estás en casa.Calm down, baby, you are home now.
- ElenaEs que tuve un día terrible.It's just that I had a terrible day.
- JavierLo sé, pero ahora descansa.I know, but now just rest.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, me siento mejor.Thanks, Javier, I feel better.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
