calla, bebé
The English phrase "hush baby" is translated into Spanish as calla, bebé.
The phrase calla, bebé is used as a direct command to soothe a crying infant.
What does it mean word for word?
The word calla is a command meaning "be quiet" or "shut up", and bebé is the noun for "baby".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase calla, bebé, calla is the imperative (command) form of the verb callar used for the informal "tú" person. The word bebé is a masculine noun, although it is used generally for a baby regardless of gender in this context.
Did you know?
- While calla is gentle when said to a baby, using the same word with an adult can be seen as an aggressive way to say 'shut up'.
- Many Spanish speakers use the term bebé as a romantic term of endearment for a partner, similar to 'baby' or 'babe' in English.
- The Spanish word bebé was borrowed from the French word bébé.
Examples in context
- Tranquilo, bebé, mamá está aquí contigo.Calm down, baby, mommy is here with you.
- Calla, bebé, que ya es hora de dormir.Hush, baby, it is time to sleep.
- Calla, bebé, no llores más.Hush, baby, don't cry anymore.
- Shhh, calla, bebé, que el papá está trabajando.Shh, hush, baby, dad is working.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Sofía soothe their crying infant.
- AlejandroSofía, intenta decirle: calla, bebé.Sofía, try telling him: hush, baby.
- SofíaLo intento, pero no deja de llorar.I'm trying, but he won't stop crying.
- AlejandroDame al niño, yo lo calmo.Give me the boy, I'll calm him.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, por favor ayúdame.Thank you, Alejandro, please help me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bebé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
