How to Say “Quiet” in Spanish

Ways to say it

Spanish uses different adjectives to express different types of quietness. You might use these words to describe someone who is not speaking, an object that makes little noise, a person who is not moving or a state of peace and calm. Related terms include callar, a verb meaning to become quiet or calm and the nouns calma or tranquilidad to express an absence of movement. The term sosiego can also be used to convey peace, stillness or a quiet and peaceful environment.

Which one should you use?

Choosing the right word depends on what kind of quiet you mean. Use callado specifically for a person who is not speaking or making vocal sounds. Use quieto when 'quiet' refers to a lack of physical movement or being motionless. Use silencioso to describe things that produce little noise, such as a library or a machine. Use tranquilo when 'quiet' implies a sense of peace, calmness or a lack of disturbance.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, the diminutive form calladito is used to mean quiet in an affectionate or playful manner.

Related words

To become quiet or calm (verb): callar.

Absence of movement (noun): calma, tranquilidad.

How does it change in a sentence?

Adjectives in Spanish must agree with the noun they describe. For example, the adjective callado must change to the feminine form callada to describe a female subject. Similarly, the adjective tranquilo must change to the masculine plural form tranquilos if it describes a group of males or a mixed-gender group. To express the command to 'be quiet' in the sense of not speaking, you can use the phrase estar callado.

How do you pronounce it?

/tɾanˈkilo/