tranquilo
/tɾanˈkilo/
The English word "quiet" can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on the context, with tranquilo being the default form. Wiktionary also lists quieto and silencioso.
Meaning: with little sound (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tranquilo | /tɾanˈkilo/ |
| quieto | /ˈkjeto/ |
| silencioso | /silenˈθjoso/ /silenˈsjoso/ |
| calmo | /ˈkalmo/ |
| callado | /kaˈʝado/ |
Which one should you use?
The word you choose depends on what kind of "quiet" you mean. Use callado when referring to a person who is not speaking or is being silent. Use quieto when referring to a lack of physical movement rather than a lack of sound. Use silencioso to describe things that produce very little noise, such as a machine or a library. Use tranquilo to describe a quiet atmosphere or a person's calm temperament.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase cállate is a direct way to say "be quiet."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective forms like callado, quieto and tranquilo must agree in gender with the noun they modify.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾanˈkilo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using cállate can be perceived as significantly more aggressive or rude than saying 'be quiet' in English.
- The word calma is the root of the Spanish adjective calmo, and both are closely related to the English word 'calm', sharing a common history related to the stillness of the sea.
- Adding the suffix -ito to make tranquilito can change the meaning from a literal description to a gentle, affectionate request for someone to behave.
Examples in context
- El niño se quedó callado.The boy stayed quiet.This sentence shows how to use callado to describe a person remaining silent.Tatoeba #653043 by Shishir, translation #703341 by papabear
- No voy a estar tranquilo.I won't be quiet.This sentence illustrates the use of tranquilo regarding a state of being.Tatoeba #2747294 by Leono, translation #2549364 by CK
- Quédate quieto un momento.Be quiet for a moment.This sentence demonstrates using quieto to request a lack of physical movement.Tatoeba #1352999 by marcelostockle, translation #40046 by CK
- Por favor, mantengan el silencio durante la conferencia.Please maintain silence during the conference.
- Por favor, cálmese y no hable en voz alta.Please be quiet and don't speak loudly.
- ¿Podrías estar callado un momento?Could you be quiet for a moment?
- ¡Shh! Los demás están durmiendo.Shh! The others are sleeping.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are walking through a peaceful park.
- DanielEste parque es muy tranquilo.This park is very quiet.
- MaríaSí, me gusta mucho el silencio.Yes, I really like the silence.
- DanielEs un lugar tranquilo para leer.It is a quiet place to read.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quiet” translations and entries tranquilo, quieto, silencioso, calmo, callado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
