cállate, tonto
/ˈkaʝate ˈtonto/word by word
The phrase "shut up, fool" in Spanish is translated as cállate, tonto.
This phrase is a rude command used to tell someone to stop talking while simultaneously calling them stupid. In a casual setting, Cállate, tonto/a is a common way to express this.
Which one should you use?
While cállate, tonto is a standard way to say the phrase, you can also use ¡Calla, idiota! to convey the same idea. If you replace the word tonto with idiota in the phrase cállate, idiota, it increases the level of insult and aggression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal. Expressions like Cállate, tonto/a and ¡Calla, idiota! are used in casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on who you are addressing. If you are addressing a female, you must change the adjective tonto to the feminine form tonta, resulting in cállate, tonta. To address a group of people, use the plural forms cállense and tontos, resulting in cállense, tontos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʝate ˈtonto/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the phrase ¡Calla! is used as an exclamation of disbelief or shock, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'Shut up!' in English, rather than as a command for silence.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying cállate to a child or subordinate can be seen as overly harsh. Adults may instead use calladito to soften the command, even when being firm.
- One theory suggests the word tonto comes from the Latin word 'tondeo', meaning 'to shear'. This implies the word originally referred to someone who had been shorn like a sheep.
Examples in context
- Ya cállate, tonto, no te escucho.Just shut up, fool, I'm not listening to you.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are arguing over a board game.
- MateoNo puedes ganar este juego.You cannot win this game.
- Elena¡Cállate, tonto! Ya casi gano.Shut up, fool! I'm almost winning.
- MateoMira tu tablero, perdiste.Look at your board, you lost.
- ElenaEso no es verdad.That is not true.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cállate, tonto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
