no, cállate
/ˈno ˈkaʝate/word by word
The English phrase "no, shut up" is translated into Spanish as no, cállate.
no, cállate is a blunt command used to tell someone to stop talking immediately. It can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone of voice used. For a slightly less blunt way to say this, you can use Cállate, por favor (Shut up, please). If you want to say "Don't bother me" or "Don't mess with me" in an informal way, you might use No me jodas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cállate is derived from the verb callar, which means to be silent or to shut up.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no, cállate is an informal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use cállense if you are telling more than one person to shut up.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno ˈkaʝate/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, no can be used as a conversational filler at the end of a sentence to seek confirmation, acting similarly to the English 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
- While cállate is a command to stop talking, the root verb callar can also mean to keep a secret or hide a truth, such as 'keeping silent' about a crime.
- Among very close friends, cállate can actually be used in a playful or teasing manner, shifting the meaning entirely from an insult to a joke.
Examples in context
- No, cállate ahora mismo.No, shut up right now.
- No, cállate, estoy intentando concentrarme.No, shut up, I am trying to concentrate.
- ¡No, cállate de una vez!No, shut up once and for all!
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are arguing in a library.
- MateoElena, por favor, deja de hablar.Elena, please, stop talking.
- ElenaSolo te estaba contando un secreto.I was just telling you a secret.
- MateoNo, cállate, la gente nos mira.No, shut up, people are looking at us.
- ElenaEstá bien, me quedo callada.Fine, I will stay quiet.
