calmarse
/kalmaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase "quiet down" is translated into Spanish as calmarse.
Calmarse is used when the act of quieting down refers to becoming more tranquil or less agitated, often regarding an emotional state such as anger or excitement, rather than just reducing physical volume.
Meaning: become quieter (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of calmar (to calm) and the reflexive pronoun se (oneself), literally meaning "to calm oneself".
Which one should you use?
While calmarse implies becoming more tranquil, it differs from callarse, which specifically means to stop making noise or to stop talking.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalmaɾse/
Did you know?
- If you tell a person to calmarse during an argument, it might actually escalate the tension because it can sound like you are telling them they are being irrational or hysterical.
- While calmarse focuses on the internal state, the phrase ¡Cálmate! is often used in Spanish slang to tell someone they are overreacting or being 'extra' regardless of their actual volume.
- The word calma is also used in maritime contexts to describe a 'calm' sea, meaning the absence of waves or wind, much like how it describes an emotional state.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, podría mantenerse en silencio durante la conferencia, por favor?Excuse me, could you please keep quiet during the conference?
- Los niños deben calmarse después de jugar.The children must quiet down after playing.
Example conversation
A teacher and a student are in a noisy classroom.
- MaríaDaniel, dile a tus amigos que deben calmarse.Daniel, tell your friends that they must quiet down.
- DanielLo siento, María. Les diré ahora.I'm sorry, María. I will tell them now.
- MaríaGracias, necesito que todos se calmarse para empezar.Thanks, I need everyone to quiet down to start.
- DanielYa están guardando silencio.They are being quiet now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calmarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
