What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb callarse (to be quiet/shut up) in the imperative form, followed by todos (all/everyone), literally translating to "shut up yourselves all".
Which one should you use?
While cállense alone can be used to mean "be quiet" when addressing a group, adding todos emphasizes that the command applies to every single person in the group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase cállense todos is informal. The verb callarse is more blunt and can be perceived as rude or aggressive, similar to "shut up" in English. For a formal way to say "everybody be quiet," you can use Todo el mundo, silencio por favor. An informal alternative for "Guys, be quiet!" is Chicos, ¡callaos!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the variation Todos, guarden silencio is used to mean "Everyone, keep quiet".
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝense todos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular imperative cállate with todos. Because todos implies a plural audience, you must use the plural form cállense.
Did you know?
- The word callar can mean both 'to be quiet' and 'to keep a secret'. Because of this, a phrase like callarse la boca can mean either to shut up or to refuse to reveal a secret.
- While todos means 'everyone', Spanish speakers frequently say todo el mundo, which literally translates to 'all the world'.
- In Spain, you might hear callaos instead of cállense todos to address a group. This uses the vosotros form, which is common in Peninsular Spanish but virtually non-existent in most of Latin America.
Examples in context
- Todo el mundo, silencio por favor. El maestro va a empezar la clase.Everybody, please be quiet. The teacher is about to start the class.
- Chicos, ¡callaos! El partido está a punto de comenzar.Guys, be quiet! The game is about to start.
- ¡Cállense todos! Estoy intentando concentrarme en mi lectura.Everybody be quiet! I'm trying to concentrate on my reading.
- Todos, guarden silencio por respeto a la ceremonia.Everyone, keep quiet out of respect for the ceremony.
- Cállense todos, por favor.Everybody be quiet, please.
- ¡Cállense todos ahora mismo!Everybody be quiet right now!
- Si quieren escuchar, cállense todos.If you want to listen, everybody be quiet.
Example conversation
A classroom where the teacher is trying to start a lesson.
- AlejandroCállense todos, que voy a empezar.Everybody be quiet, I am going to start.
- ElenaLo siento, Alejandro, ya guardamos silencio.Sorry, Alejandro, we are being quiet now.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena, escuchen con atención.Thank you, Elena, listen carefully.
- ElenaEstamos listos para la clase.We are ready for the class.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
