cálmate, Jamal
The English phrase 'calm down, jamal' is translated into Spanish as cálmate, Jamal.
Which one should you use?
Using the reflexive form cálmate is more common and natural for telling someone to soothe their own emotions than using the non-reflexive calma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cálmate is the informal imperative (tú) of the reflexive verb calmarse.
Did you know?
- The verb calmar is a cognate of the English 'calm', both of which trace back to the Greek kauma, meaning 'heat' or 'burning'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to cálmate can actually have the opposite effect, often perceived as an aggressive way to dismiss someone's feelings.
- While cálmate is used for emotional distress, Spanish speakers often use tranquilízate to suggest a more profound state of peace or to handle a panic attack.
Examples in context
- ¡Relájate, Jamal! No vale la pena preocuparse tanto.Calm down, Jamal! It's not worth worrying so much.
- Cálmate, Jamal, no es para tanto.Calm down, Jamal, it's not that big a deal.
- ¡Cálmate, Jamal! Estás gritando mucho.Calm down, Jamal! You are shouting too much.
- Por favor, cálmate, Jamal, y respira.Please, calm down, Jamal, and breathe.
Example conversation
Daniel is trying to soothe Jamal after a stressful event.
- DanielCálmate, Jamal, respira profundo.Calm down, Jamal, breathe deeply.
- SofíaNo puedo, estoy muy nervioso.I can't, I'm very nervous.
- DanielYa pasó lo peor, tranquilo.The worst is over, stay calm.
- SofíaTienes razón, gracias Daniel.You're right, thanks Daniel.
