Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| silencioso | /silenˈθjoso/ /silenˈsjoso/ |
| callar | /kaˈʝaɾ/ |
| silente | /siˈlente/ |
The word 'silent' can be expressed through several different forms depending on whether you need an adjective, a verb or a noun. Use the adjective silencioso to describe a thing or person that produces little to no sound, such as a silent engine or a silent person. If you wish to refer to the noun 'silence', use silencio. The phrase en mute is used informally to express the concept of muting electronics or sound systems.
Which one should you use?
There are distinct differences in how you express silence in Spanish. Use the adjective silencioso to describe a quality of something or someone that is silent. If you want to describe the action of being silent or the act of stopping one's speech, use the verb callar. Finally, silente is a literary or poetic synonym for silencioso.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form callarse is frequently used to mean 'to keep quiet' or, more bluntly, 'to shut up'.
How do you pronounce it?
/silenˈθjoso/
Did you know?
- The phrase guardar silencio is the standard way to ask for a 'silent' environment in formal settings. It literally translates to 'guarding silence', treating quietness as a precious object to be protected.
- While silencioso describes a natural quality, the verb callar can be used to hide a secret. Saying callar algo means to keep a piece of information 'silent' or hidden from others.
- The verb callar actually traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek word khaláō, which meant 'to loosen' or 'to relax'.
Examples in context
- No me voy a callar.I won't stay silent.This sentence demonstrates the use of callar.Tatoeba #3999163 by Shishir, translation #3962722 by JSakuragi
- Los drones silenciosos crean más víctimas.Silent drones victimize more people.This sentence demonstrates the use of silencioso.Tatoeba #7967844 by Seael, translation #9664402 by shekitten
- Hay un tiempo para hablar y un tiempo para callar.There's a time to speak and a time to be silent.Tatoeba #2758211 by marcelostockle, translation #7152090 by sapphrein
- El aula estaba silenciosa durante el examen.The classroom was silent during the exam.
- La biblioteca es un lugar silencioso perfecto para estudiar.The library is a perfect silent place to study.
- Observaron el lago silencioso al atardecer.They observed the silent lake at sunset.
- El público esperaba en silencio la llegada del orador.The audience waited in silence for the speaker's arrival.
- Caminaron por el bosque en silencio para no asustar a los animales.They walked silently through the forest to not scare the animals.
- ¡Estuve muy callado durante la película!I was very silent during the movie!
- Mi amigo es muy callado, pero siempre presta atención.My friend is very quiet, but always pays attention.
- Pon el teléfono en mute para evitar distracciones.Put your phone on mute to avoid distractions.
- ¡Mi hermano siempre juega a videojuegos en mute para no molestar!My brother always plays video games on mute as to not bother anyone!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking through a library.
- JavierEste lugar es muy silencioso.This place is very quiet.
- LucíaSí, es perfecto para estudiar.Yes, it is perfect for studying.
- JavierMe gusta que sea tan silencioso aquí.I like that it is so silent here.
- LucíaYo también, Javier.Me too, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silent” translations and entries silencioso, callar, silente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries callar, silencioso, silente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
