Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tranquilo | /tɾanˈkilo/ |
| quieto | /ˈkjeto/ |
| silencioso | /silenˈθjoso/ /silenˈsjoso/ |
| calmo | /ˈkalmo/ |
| callado | /kaˈʝado/ |
In Spanish, the choice of word for 'quiet' depends on whether you are describing a lack of sound, a lack of movement or a state of peace. Related to these adjectives, the verb callar means to become quiet or calm, while the nouns calma and tranquilidad refer to the absence of movement.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of 'quiet' are specialized by context: quieto refers to a lack of physical movement rather than a lack of sound. silencioso is used to describe things that produce very little noise, such as a 'quiet engine' or a 'quiet neighborhood'. callado specifically describes a person who is not making any vocal sounds or is being silent. tranquilo is used when 'quiet' implies a sense of peace, calmness or the absence of agitation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective forms must agree in gender with the noun they describe, so callado becomes callada for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾanˈkilo/
Did you know?
- The phrase ¡Callate! is a direct command to be quiet, but it is significantly more abrupt and aggressive than the English 'be quiet'.
- While quieto means 'still', it is the standard command used to tell a dog to stay in one place.
- The word tranquilo is often used as a standalone response to mean 'take it easy' or 'don't worry'.
Examples in context
- El niño se quedó callado.The boy stayed quiet.This sentence shows how to use callado to describe a boy who stopped speaking.Tatoeba #653043 by Shishir, translation #703341 by papabear
- No voy a estar tranquilo.I won't be quiet.This sentence demonstrates the use of tranquilo to express a lack of peace or quiet.Tatoeba #2747294 by Leono, translation #2549364 by CK
- Quédate quieto un momento.Be quiet for a moment.This sentence illustrates how quieto is used to request a lack of physical movement.Tatoeba #1352999 by marcelostockle, translation #40046 by CK
- Por favor, cállense.Please be quiet.
- Prefiero callar y escuchar.I prefer to be quiet and listen.
- Solicito silencio durante la conferencia.I request silence during the conference.
- Mantengan el silencio en la biblioteca, por favor.Please maintain silence in the library.
- Calla, por favor.Shush, please.
- ¡Calla, que no me dejas concentrar!Shush! You're not letting me concentrate!
- ¡Chitón! Estoy tratando de enfocarme.Shh! I'm trying to concentrate.
- Se ruega a los asistentes mantener la calma y no hacer ruido.Attendees are kindly requested to remain calm and avoid making noise.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are choosing a place to relax.
- Mateo¿Quieres ir a un café nuevo?Do you want to go to a new cafe?
- LucíaSí, pero que sea un lugar tranquilo.Yes, but let it be a quiet place.
- MateoConozco uno que es muy tranquilo.I know one that is very quiet.
- LucíaPerfecto, vamos para allá.Perfect, let's go there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quiet” translations and entries tranquilo, quieto, silencioso, calmo, callado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
