Cala a boca
rude, Brazil
In Brazil "shut up" is Cala a boca, literally "close your mouth". It is rude. A milder way is Fica quieto, "stay quiet", and Silêncio just asks for silence.
Meaning: rude command to stop talking (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Cala a boca | rude, Brazil |
| Silêncio | neutral |
| Fica quieto | milder |
Cala a boca is a harsh order and can start a fight with strangers. Friends sometimes say it jokingly with a laugh.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal command is Cale a boca, but in speech Brazilians usually use cala with the você form.
Did you know?
- Adding por favor does not make Cala a boca polite, so Silêncio, por favor is the safe choice when you need quiet.
Examples in context
- Cala a boca, por favor, estou estudando.Shut up, please, I am studying.
- Fica quieto um pouco.Stay quiet for a bit.
- Silêncio, o bebê está dormindo.Quiet, the baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Two brothers, Léo and Davi, argue over a video game in their living room in Campinas.
- LéoCala a boca, Davi!Shut up, Davi!
- DaviNão manda em mim.Do not boss me around.
- LéoFica quieto, a mamãe está ao telefone.Stay quiet, mom is on the phone.
