mantén la calma
/manten la kalma/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stay calm' is translated into Spanish as mantén la calma.
The phrase is used to instruct someone to remain peaceful and controlled, particularly when they are facing a stressful or exciting situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb mantén (keep or maintain) and the noun phrase la calma (the calm).
Which one should you use?
Mantén la calma is used as a direct command. In contrast, the infinitive form mantener la calma means 'to stay calm'. While mantén la calma focuses on maintaining a state of peace, the word tranquilízate is a common way to tell someone to 'calm down' or 'relax' if they are currently feeling agitated.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mantén la serenidad is an informal alternative used in some Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell a group of people to stay calm, use the plural imperative mantengan la calma.
Did you know?
- The word calma shares an ancient root with the Greek word for 'heat' or 'burning'. It originally referred to the oppressive, breathless heat of a windless day.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone tranquilízate can actually have the opposite effect of calming them down, as it can sound condescending or dismissive of their feelings.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone mantén la calma with a specific hand gesture, such as palms facing down and moving slowly, reinforces the command to settle down.
Examples in context
- Mantén la calma pase lo que pase.Stay calm, no matter what happens.This sentence shows how to use mantén la calma to mean staying calm regardless of circumstances.Tatoeba #2689078 by Shishir, translation #9814614 by DJ_Saidez
- Mantén la calma.Stay calm.This sentence is a simple way to use mantén la calma as a direct instruction.Tatoeba #1234916 by Shishir, translation #788304 by hrin
- ¡Enfrentémoslo juntos! Mantén la calma y encontraremos una solución.Let's face it together! Stay calm, and we'll find a solution.
- No te preocupes demasiado. Quédate tranquilo y todo saldrá bien.Don't worry too much. Stay calm, and everything will be fine.
- Por favor, tranquilícese y explíqueme lo sucedido con calma.Please, stay calm, and explain to me what happened calmly.
- Durante el examen, mantén la serenidad y recuerda todas las técnicas de estudio.During the exam, stay calm and remember all the study techniques.
- Mantén la calma durante el examen.Stay calm during the exam.
Example conversation
A busy professional office before a big meeting.
- MaríaJavier, tienes que prepararte para la presentación.Javier, you have to prepare for the presentation.
- JavierEstoy muy nervioso, María.I am very nervous, María.
- MaríaPor favor, mantén la calma y respira.Please, stay calm and breathe.
- JavierGracias, lo intentaré.Thanks, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
