tranquilo
/tɾanˈkilo/
The English word 'peaceful' is translated into Spanish as tranquilo.
Tranquilo is used to describe someone or something that is inclined to peace. Beyond the meaning of 'peaceful', it is also the standard term for 'calm' or 'quiet' when referring to people, places or situations. Additionally, it is frequently used as an interjection, ¡Tranquilo!, to tell someone to 'Calm down!' or 'Don't worry!'
Meaning: inclined to peace, peaceable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While tranquilo is a common way to say 'peaceful', other words can be used depending on the nuance. Sereno/a describes peaceful people, places or situations that create a serene atmosphere. Apacible refers to a calm and serene environment or a peaceful person. Relajado/a is used specifically for individuals who are peaceful or relaxed. If you want to describe a state of being, en calma can be used to literally mean 'in calmness'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, tranquilo must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form tranquila for feminine nouns. For plural nouns, use tranquilos for masculine plural or tranquilas for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾanˈkilo/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean dialects, tranquilo is used as a filler word or a way to signal that everything is under control even when the situation is visibly chaotic.
- In many Spanish contexts, calling a situation tranquila can be a polite way to say it was 'boring' or 'unexciting' during a conversation about an event.
- The word tranquilo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'tranquil', both stemming from the Latin tranquillus, meaning 'quiet' or 'still'.
Examples in context
- Aquí solía ser tranquilo.It used to be peaceful here.This sentence shows how to describe a past state of a place using tranquilo.Tatoeba #5032808 by don_ramon, translation #5029433 by CK
- Esta canción me transporta a otra época donde todo es tranquilo y la vida se vive en blanco y negro.This song takes me to a different time when everything is peaceful and life is lived in black and white.This sentence describes a peaceful time in life using tranquilo.Tatoeba #9159859 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9159864 by rafaeldejesus8199
- El campo es tranquilo.The countryside is peaceful.This sentence describes a peaceful environment using tranquilo.
- La playa es tranquilaThe beach is peaceful
- El parque es un lugar serenoThe park is a peaceful place
- Ella tiene una personalidad apacibleShe has a peaceful personality
- El país es pacíficoThe country is peaceful
- Ella siempre está relajadaShe's always peaceful/relaxed
- La ciudad está en calma después del incidenteThe city is peaceful after the incident
- Estoy muy tranquilo hoyI'm very peaceful today
- Estamos en un lugar muy tranquiloWe are in a very peaceful place
- Este lugar irradia armoníaThis place radiates peace
- La tarde está tranquilaThe afternoon is peaceful
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are visiting a small mountain village.
- ElenaEste pueblo es muy tranquilo.This village is very peaceful.
- DanielSí, es un lugar perfecto para descansar.Yes, it is a perfect place to rest.
- ElenaMe gusta que todo sea tan tranquilo aquí.I like that everything is so peaceful here.
- DanielA mí también me encanta.I love it too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tranquilo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tranquilo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
