What does it mean word for word?
The word Cállate is a combination of the verb callar (to be silent) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you need to use a formal register, you can say Cállese, cerdo or use the more elaborate Le ruego que se calle, cerdo (I beg you to be silent, pig) or Por favor, podría usted guardar silencio, señor cerdo (Could you please remain silent, Mr. Pig?).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexican Spanish, one way to express this is ¡Cállate, marrano! In Rioplatense Spanish, a common regional expression is Cerrá el orto, cerdo.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the command from the informal tú to the formal usted, use Cállese, cerdo. If you are addressing more than one person, the verb changes to the plural imperative Cállense and the noun becomes cerdos, resulting in Cállense, cerdos.
Did you know?
- Using the formal Cállese, cerdo creates a humorous or sarcastic contrast, as formal grammar is rarely paired with such a crude insult.
- In some regions, the phrase cerrar el pico is used as a softer way to say 'shut up', literally telling the person to 'close their beak' like a bird.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a 'pig' is often associated with gluttony and greed rather than just being offensive or mean.
Examples in context
- No quiero oírte, cállate, cerdo.I don't want to hear you, shut up, you pig.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two roommates about a mess in the kitchen.
- Sofía¡Estás ensuciando todo mi espacio!You are making a mess of my whole space!
- JavierNo es para tanto, Sofía.It is not that big of a deal, Sofia.
- Sofía¡Cállate, cerdo!Shut up, you pig!
- JavierEstá bien, guardaré silencio.Fine, I will keep quiet.
