Which one should you use?
The command can take different forms depending on the level of formality or the region. cala a boca is the standard informal version, while Cala-te is an alternative informal form used in Portugal and certain parts of Brazil. To move from the informal to a more formal address, you would use cale a boca, though the phrase remains inherently rude regardless of the level of formality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cala a boca and Cala-te are both informal ways to command silence. cale a boca uses the formal você form, but it is still considered a rude command.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cala-te is used particularly in Portugal and some regions of Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice between cala and cale changes the imperative from the informal tu form to the formal você form.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈka.lɐ a ˈbo.kɐ/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
This is a blunt way to command silence that is often used during arguments, or sometimes among close friends in a joking manner.
Did you know?
- In some Brazilian contexts, cala a boca can be used as an expression of disbelief, similar to saying 'no way' or 'get out' in English.
- The word boca comes from the Latin 'bucca', which was actually borrowed from a Celtic language.
- Portuguese has several idioms using boca to describe talking too much, such as 'boca de sacola', which refers to a gossip.
Examples in context
- Por que não cala a boca?Why don't you shut your mouth?This sentence is useful for seeing how to ask a rhetorical question using cala a boca.Tatoeba #1127923 by alexmarcelo, translation #2863006 by CK
- Por favor, cale a boca. Estamos em uma reunião importante.Please, shut your mouth. We are in an important meeting.
- Ó, cala a boca, por favor! Não aguento mais ouvir isso.Oh, shut your mouth, please! I can't stand hearing it anymore.
- Cala a boca e me deixa em paz! Não quero brigar.Shut your mouth and leave me alone! I don't want to fight.
- Cala-te, por favor! Já chega de besteiras.Shut your mouth, please! That's enough nonsense.
- Não aguento mais! Cala-te agora!I can't take it anymore! Shut your mouth right now!
- Cala a boca agora!Shut your mouth now!
- Cala a boca e me escuta.Shut your mouth and listen to me.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing loudly in the living room.
- MarianaVocê é muito chato, Felipe!You are so annoying, Felipe!
- FelipeCala a boca, Mariana!Shut your mouth, Mariana!
- MarianaNão fale assim comigo!Don't talk to me like that!
- FelipeEu não vou parar de falar.I am not going to stop talking.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cala a boca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, boca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
