Cállate
informal, rude
The usual way to say “shut up” in Puerto Rico is Cállate. It is blunt, so use it only with close people or when you are clearly joking. It is also called Silencio and Cállate la boca.
Meaning: rude command to be quiet (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Cállate | informal, rude |
| Silencio | neutral |
| Cállate la boca | strong, rude |
Cállate la boca is stronger and clearly rude. For a polite request, say Silencio, por favor or ¿Pueden hacer silencio?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With someone you address as usted, the command becomes Cállese. That is still harsh, so avoid it.
How do you pronounce it?
In relaxed Puerto Rican speech people often drop the d sound in endings, so callado may sound like callao.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers sometimes use Cállate as a joking reaction to surprising news, like “no way”.
Examples in context
- Silencio, por favor.Silence, please.
- Cállate, no puede ser.Shut up, no way.
Example conversation
Siblings Carla and Omar talk in a hallway while their grandfather naps in Caguas.
- OmarCarla, pon la música más alta.Carla, turn the music up.
- CarlaCállate, que el abuelo duerme.Be quiet, grandpa is sleeping.
- OmarAy, es verdad. Perdón.Oh, that is true. Sorry.
