Cállate, idiota
/ˈkaʝate iˈdjota/word by word
The English phrase "shut up, you idiot" is translated into Spanish as Cállate, idiota.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Cállate, idiota is highly informal and can be perceived as aggressive or insulting depending on the tone. If you use the formal conjugation Cállese, idiota, it creates a sarcastic or jarring tone because you are combining a formal command with an insult.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people, the verb changes to the plural imperative cállense and the noun idiota becomes idiotas to say "Shut up, idiots" (Cállense, idiotas).
Did you know?
- The root of idiota implies someone who lives 'privately', which historically described people who did not participate in public or political life.
- While idiota is a direct insult, in certain youth subcultures in Spain, it can be used ironically between very close friends to show affection.
- The imperative cállate is a reflexive construction, literally meaning 'silence yourself', which implies that silence is something one performs upon one's own person.
Examples in context
- No quiero escucharte, ¡cállate, idiota!I don't want to hear you, shut up, idiot!
- ¡Cállate, idiota, estás molestando!Shut up, idiot, you are being annoying!
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are having a heated argument in the street.
- Sofía¡Tú siempre tienes la razón!You are always right!
- JavierNo es cierto, Sofía.That is not true, Sofia.
- Sofía¡Cállate, idiota!Shut up, idiot!
- JavierEstá bien, me voy.Fine, I'm leaving.
