What does it mean word for word?
The word cállate is the imperative form of the reflexive verb callarse, which literally means "shut yourself up".
Which one should you use?
If you are addressing a group of people instead of one person, you should use the plural form cállense, güeyes.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone of voice used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term güey is a highly characteristic Mexican slang term used to mean "dude" or "guy". Other regional variations include Cállate, tío for "shut up dude" and the Venezuelan phrase Chamo, cállate la jeta for "dude, shut your mouth". In Argentina, you might hear Cerrá el orto, pibe to mean "shut your mouth, kid".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cállate is the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to one person you know well.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʝate ˈɡwei/
Did you know?
- The term güey actually originates from the word buey, which means 'ox'.
- In Spain, using tío to mean 'dude' is extremely common, but it literally translates to 'uncle'.
- In some Mexican social circles, calling someone güey is a sign of deep trust and friendship, whereas using their actual name might feel too formal or cold.
Examples in context
- Cállate, güey, ya me duele la cabeza.Shut up, dude, my head hurts now.
- ¡Cállate, güey! Estoy tratando de estudiar.Shut up, dude! I am trying to study.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about a movie in a cafe.
- MateoEsta película es la peor de la historia.This movie is the worst in history.
- MaríaNo digas eso, fue muy original.Don't say that, it was very original.
- MateoCállate, güey, no sabes nada de cine.Shut up, dude, you don't know anything about cinema.
- María¡Qué grosero eres, Mateo!You are so rude, Mateo!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cállate, güey) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries güey, CC BY-SA 4.0.
