Cállate, David
/ˈkaʝate daˈbid/word by word
The English phrase "shut up, david" is translated into Spanish as Cállate, David.
In some regions, the phrase Cierre la boca, David translates to "Close your mouth, David" and is used as a way to say "Shut up".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form Cállate, David is an informal imperative used with people you know well or in casual, often rude, settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you were addressing a group of people including David, you would use the plural form Cállense instead of the singular Cállate.
Did you know?
- In a playful or affectionate context among very close friends, cállate can be used as a reaction to a surprising piece of gossip, similar to saying 'no way' in English.
- If you were to use the formal version Cállese, David to be polite, it would actually sound sarcastic or mockingly respectful because the command itself is inherently impolite.
- The word callar refers to the act of making oneself silent, but it also means 'to keep a secret' or 'to hide' something from others.
Examples in context
- Cállate, David, por favor.Shut up, David, please.
- Cállate, David, que estoy estudiando.Shut up, David, I am studying.
Example conversation
A noisy living room where David is talking too much.
- MateoDavid no deja de hablar.David won't stop talking.
- LucíaCállate, David, que no me dejas hablar.Shut up, David, you aren't letting me speak.
- MateoLucía tiene razón, cállate.Lucía is right, shut up.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, ahora sí podemos hablar.Thanks, Mateo, now we can actually talk.
