silénciate
/silenθjate/from spelling rules
The phrase 'mute yourself' in Spanish is translated as silénciate.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to turn off their microphone during a digital call or meeting so that others cannot hear them. While silénciate is a direct command, it is also very common to use the phrase silenciar el micrófono to describe the action of muting.
What does it mean word for word?
The word silénciate is formed from the verb silenciar (to silence) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself).
Which one should you use?
If you want to tell a group of people to mute themselves, use silénciense. Other variations include Silencia tu micrófono or Pon tu micrófono en silencio.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the colloquial expression Apaga tu micrófono is occasionally used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Silénciate is the imperative form used when speaking to one person informally (tú).
How do you pronounce it?
/silenθjate/
Did you know?
- While silénciate is standard, many Spanish speakers use mutear, a Spanglish hybrid. This word is so common in tech circles that it is used daily despite being rejected by the Royal Spanish Academy.
- Spanish uses different verbs for silencing a person and silencing a device. While silénciate works for a call, telling someone to be quiet in person usually involves the verb callarse, which has a different root entirely.
- The reflexive ending te in silénciate literally means 'to yourself', implying that you are performing the action of silencing upon your own persona, not just a device.
Examples in context
- Por favor, silencie su micrófono para evitar ruidos innecesariosPlease mute your microphone to avoid unnecessary noise
- Amigo, pon tu micrófono en silencio, hay mucho ecoDude, mute your microphone, there's too much echo
- Por favor, silénciate si no estás hablando.Please, mute yourself if you are not speaking.
- Silénciate para que no se escuche el ruido de fondo.Mute yourself so the background noise isn't heard.
- Oye, silénciate un momento, por favor.Hey, mute yourself for a moment, please.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in a professional video conference.
- DanielSofía, hay mucho ruido en tu casa.Sofía, there is a lot of noise in your house.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo siento mucho.You are right, I am very sorry.
- DanielNo te preocupes, solo silénciate.Don't worry, just mute yourself.
- SofíaListo, ya me silencié.Done, I have muted myself.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
