What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb callarse (to shut oneself) and la boca (the mouth). Literally, it translates to "shut yourself the mouth".
Which one should you use?
Cállate is a shorter and more direct way to say "shut up". In contrast, cállate la boca adds extra emphasis to the command to stop talking.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase cállate la boca is informal and highly impolite. It is typically used during heated arguments or when a person wants to express extreme annoyance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cállate la boca uses the informal singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person you know well or when addressing them disrespectfully. To address a group of people, you must use the plural form cállense la boca.
Did you know?
- While cállate la boca is harsh, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ¡Calla ya! to express a mix of impatience and disbelief, similar to 'Oh, stop it!'
- The word boca is a distant relative of the English word 'beak'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, pointing with your finger while saying cállate la boca is considered an extra layer of aggression. This physical gesture can escalate a verbal argument into a much more serious confrontation.
Examples in context
- Por favor, guarden silencio.Please keep quiet.
- Cállense, estamos tratando de ver la película.Shush, we're trying to watch the movie.
- No digan nada, por favor.Don't say anything, please.
- ¡Cállate la boca ahora mismo!Shut your mouth right now!
- ¡Cállate la boca, que no te he preguntado!Shut your mouth, I didn't ask you!
- Solo te diré una cosa: cállate la boca.I will only tell you one thing: shut your mouth.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are having a heated argument in a cafe.
- Alejandro¡Cállate la boca, Lucía, no quiero oírte!Shut your mouth, Lucía, I don't want to hear you!
- Lucía¡No me hables así, Alejandro!Don't talk to me like that, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Pues cállate la boca de una vez!Well then, shut your mouth once and for all!
- Lucía¡Eres un grosero!You are rude!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boca, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
