¡cállense todos!
The phrase "everyone, shut up!" in Spanish is ¡cállense todos!
This phrase is a command used to tell a group of people to stop talking immediately. You may also hear the expression ¡Todos, cierren el pico!, which is a way to say "everyone, shut up!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the reflexive verb callarse (to shut oneself up) and the word todos (everyone/all).
Which one should you use?
While ¡cállense todos! is a direct command, you can use Todos, por favor, cállense to say "everyone, please be quiet" in a more polite manner. The expression Cierren el pico literally translates to "shut your beak/mouth."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
¡cállense todos! is highly informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone of voice used. In contrast, ¡Callaos todos! is also an informal way to say "everyone, shut up!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb cállense uses the second-person plural imperative ending -n for the ustedes form, which is used to address a group of people.
Did you know?
- The verb callar can mean both 'to be quiet' and 'to keep a secret' or 'withhold information'.
- The alternative expression cierren el pico uses the word pico, which refers to a bird's beak. Using it to tell humans to be quiet is a common way to add a touch of sarcasm or playfulness to the command.
- If you call someone callado, you are not just describing their current silence but suggesting they are naturally shy or introverted.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállense todos, por favor, quiero hablar!Everyone, shut up, please, I want to speak!
Example conversation
A teacher is trying to start a lesson in a noisy classroom.
- María¡Cállense todos!Everyone, shut up!
- DanielLo siento, María.Sorry, María.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel. Ahora podemos empezar.Thank you, Daniel. Now we can start.
- DanielEstá bien, silencio total.Okay, total silence.
