niña, cállate
/ˈniɲa ˈkaʝate/word by word
The English phrase 'girl, be quiet' is translated into Spanish as niña, cállate.
This phrase is a command telling a girl to stop talking. Depending on the tone used by the speaker, it can range from a firm instruction to a rude way of saying 'shut up'.
Which one should you use?
Using niña (girl) makes the command sound like an adult or parent is addressing a child, whereas using a person's name would be a more specific way to address them.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal contexts, you might also use Chica, cállate to mean 'Girl, be quiet'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cállate is the imperative or command form of the reflexive verb callarse, which means to be quiet or to shut up.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈniɲa ˈkaʝate/
Did you know?
- The root of cállate is the word callar, which in archaic Spanish also meant to keep a secret or hide something.
- In certain Caribbean dialects, the final 'e' in cállate may be dropped or softened, making the command sound more like cállat.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a young woman niña can feel condescending or even patronizing, even if she is technically a girl, because it emphasizes a lack of maturity.
Examples in context
- Chica, cállate por un momento. Necesito concentrarme.Girl, be quiet for a moment. I need to concentrate.
- Niña, cállate ahora mismo.Girl, be quiet right now.
- ¡Niña, cállate, que estoy en una llamada!Girl, be quiet, I am on a call!
Example conversation
A brother and sister are arguing in the living room.
- SofíaNiña, cállate, estoy leyendo.Girl, be quiet, I am reading.
- Mateo¡No quiero callarme!I don't want to be quiet!
- SofíaNiña, cállate o diré a mamá.Girl, be quiet or I'll tell mom.
- MateoEstá bien, me callo.Fine, I'll be quiet.
