cálmate
/kalmate/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hold your horses" can be translated into Spanish as cálmate.
An expression used to tell someone to wait or be patient.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalmate/
Did you know?
- If you want to tell someone to 'hold their horses' in a more literal sense in Spain, you might use the phrase para el carro, which literally means 'stop the cart'.
- In very informal contexts, the expression bájale is used in Mexico to tell someone to 'tone it down' or 'hold their horses' regarding their intensity.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a hand gesture with the palm facing down and moving up and down accompanies cálmate to visually signal 'settle down'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tenga pacienciaPlease, have patience
- Tranquilo/a, no te apuresRelax, don't rush
- Oye, espera un tantitoHey, wait a little
Example conversation
Javier and María are waiting for food at a restaurant.
- Javier¡Ya quiero mi comida! ¿Dónde está el mesero?I want my food already! Where is the waiter?
- MaríaCálmate, Javier, acabamos de pedir.Hold your horses, Javier, we just ordered.
- JavierPero tengo mucha hambre ahora mismo.But I am very hungry right now.
- MaríaTen un poco de paciencia, por favor.Have a little patience, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
