siéntate y cállate
/sjentate i kaʝate/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sit down and shut up" is translated into Spanish as siéntate y cállate.
This is a harsh command used to tell someone to be seated and to stop talking immediately. Because it is so blunt, it can be perceived as very rude or aggressive, much like the English version.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two reflexive imperative verbs: sentarse (to sit oneself down) and callarse (to shut oneself up).
Which one should you use?
While siéntate y cállate is the standard informal version, you may also use siéntate y guarda silencio if you wish to say "Sit down and keep quiet."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form siéntate y cállate is informal and uses the 'tú' conjugation, which makes the command feel direct and potentially disrespectful.
How does it change in a sentence?
To command a group of people to sit down and shut up, use the plural forms siéntense y cállense.
Did you know?
- If you were to say this to a stranger or an elder using the formal siéntese y cállese, it would paradoxically sound even more biting and condescending than the informal version.
- Adding the word ya to form cállate ya changes the meaning from a simple command to a signal that the speaker has completely run out of patience.
- In certain Spanish-speaking cultures, while a parent may use cállate with a child, directing it toward a boss or elder is seen as an act of extreme rebellion.
Examples in context
- ¡Siéntate y cállate ahora mismo!Sit down and shut up right now!
- Siéntate y cállate, estoy tratando de estudiar.Sit down and shut up, I am trying to study.
- Solo siéntate y cállate de una vez.Just sit down and shut up once and for all.
Example conversation
A tense moment in a classroom where a student is being disruptive.
- Sofía¡Javier, siéntate y cállate!Javier, sit down and shut up!
- JavierLo siento, Sofía, no volverá a pasar.I am sorry, Sofía, it won't happen again.
- SofíaNecesito silencio para dar la clase.I need silence to give the class.
- JavierEntendido, guardaré silencio.Understood, I will keep quiet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
