cállate, Eli
The English phrase "shut up, Eli" is translated into Spanish as cállate, Eli.
This phrase is used as a command to tell a person named Eli to stop talking. You can also use ¡Silencio, Eli! if you wish to request "quiet" or "silence" from Eli.
Which one should you use?
While cállate, Eli is a direct command to a single person, you would use cállense, Eli if you were addressing multiple people or a group that includes Eli.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form cállate, Eli is informal. Depending on your tone, it can be perceived as rude or aggressive.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person, the verb changes to the plural form cállense.
Did you know?
- The verb callar can be used reflexively as callarse to mean 'shut up' or intransitively to mean 'to keep a secret' or 'to remain silent' about a specific topic.
- While cállate is a blunt command, using the formal cállese doesn't actually make the phrase polite. It simply changes the level of social distance, often making the command feel even more icy or condescending in a professional setting.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to cállate is significantly more abrasive than 'shut up' in English. Because of the directness of the imperative, it can damage social rapport instantly in even casual settings.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate, Eli! Estás distrayendo a todos.Shut up, Eli! You're distracting everyone.
- ¡Cállate, Eli! No quiero oírte.Shut up, Eli! I don't want to hear you.
- ¡Cállate, Eli!Shut up, Eli!
- No puedo estudiar, así que cállate, Eli.I can't study, so shut up, Eli.
- Por favor, cállate, Eli, ya es tarde.Please, shut up, Eli, it is late.
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are arguing with their younger brother Eli.
- MaríaCállate, Eli, que no te escuchamos.Shut up, Eli, we can't hear you.
- JavierSí, cállate, Eli, y siéntate.Yes, shut up, Eli, and sit down.
- MaríaEstamos tratando de hablar nosotros.We are trying to talk ourselves.
- JavierAhora deja de gritar.Now stop shouting.
