cálmalo
/kalmalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "calm him down" is translated into Spanish as cálmalo.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using cálmalo, the accent mark on the first syllable is required because the stress remains on the original verb root when the pronoun is attached.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalmalo/
Did you know?
- The word calma shares a root with the English word 'calm', both deriving from the Greek kauma which referred to the oppressive heat of the midday sun when the wind stops.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common non-verbal way to accompany cálmalo is to make a downward pressing motion with the palms of the hands.
- In Spanish, you might hear the phrase está alterado to describe someone who needs to be calmed down, meaning they are 'altered' or 'disturbed' rather than just 'angry'.
Examples in context
- Doctor, por favor tranquilícelo. Está muy preocupado.Doctor, please calm him down. He is very worried.
- Amigo, tranquilízalo. No vale la pena estresarse por eso.Friend, calm him down. It's not worth getting stressed over that.
- No te preocupes, cálmalo con palabras de aliento.Don't worry, calm him down with words of encouragement.
- Él está gritando, cálmalo.He is shouting, calm him down.
- Tu hermano está muy nervioso, cálmalo tú.Your brother is very nervous, you calm him down.
- Si el bebé llora, cálmalo con música.If the baby cries, calm him down with music.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a party where a friend is getting angry.
- SofíaJuan se está enojando mucho.Juan is getting very angry.
- MateoNo sé qué hacer.I don't know what to do.
- SofíaVe con él y cálmalo.Go with him and calm him down.
- MateoEstá bien, iré ahora.Okay, I'll go now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
