Cállate
informal, rude
In Dominican Spanish Cállate is the standard "shut up". It is rude unless it is said as a joke between close friends. Silencio is a neutral request for quiet. It is also called Cállese.
Meaning: rude command to be quiet (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Cállate | informal, rude |
| Silencio | neutral |
| Cállese | to someone you call usted, rude |
Which one should you use?
To ask politely for quiet, say Por favor, silencio or Baja la voz (lower your voice).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Cállate is for tú. With usted the form is Cállese, and a polite request is Silencio, por favor.
Did you know?
- A direct Cállate is rude in most Spanish speaking places, so a request like Baja la voz is safer.
Examples in context
- Cállate, que estoy viendo la película.Shut up, I am watching the movie.
- Silencio, por favor.Silence, please.
- Baja la voz, el bebé duerme.Lower your voice, the baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Hugo asks his brother Dani to be quiet while the baby sleeps in Santo Domingo.
- HugoDani, baja la voz.Dani, lower your voice.
- DaniPerdón, ¿qué pasa?Sorry, what is going on?
- HugoEl bebé duerme.The baby is sleeping.
