Cállate, hablas demasiado
The phrase "shut up, you talk too much" in Spanish is Cállate, hablas demasiado.
Cállate, hablas demasiado is used to tell someone to shut up because they are talking too much. Other ways to express similar sentiments include the casual phrase ¡Deja de hablar tanto!, which means "Stop talking so much!" and ¡Cállate la boca, no dejas de hablar!, which means "Shut your mouth, you never stop talking!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default phrase Cállate, hablas demasiado uses the informal tú form and is considered blunt or rude. If you use the formal usted form, Cállese, habla demasiado, the command becomes more formal, though it remains inherently impolite.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person, change Cállate to Cállense and hablas to hablan, resulting in Cállense, hablan demasiado.
Did you know?
- If you want to be even more dismissive in Spain, you might hear someone say ¡Cierra el pico! This literally translates to 'Close your beak!', treating the person like a bird.
- Spanish has a specific verb callar that can mean both 'to be silent' and 'to keep a secret', which is why Cállate can sometimes imply 'keep this a secret'.
- If you use the formal Cállese to someone you are actually angry with, it can feel incredibly sarcastic or condescending rather than polite, because you are using 'respectful' grammar to deliver a sharp insult.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate, hablas demasiado! No te quiero escuchar.Shut up, you talk too much! I don't want to listen to you.
- ¡Cállate, hablas demasiado durante la película!Shut up, you talk too much during the movie!
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are arguing during a movie.
- DanielCállate, hablas demasiado y no oigo la película.Shut up, you talk too much and I can't hear the movie.
- LucíaSolo estoy comentando la trama, Daniel.I'm just commenting on the plot, Daniel.
- DanielNo me importa, cállate, hablas demasiado.I don't care, shut up, you talk too much.
- LucíaEstá bien, me callaré.Fine, I'll be quiet.
