mantén la calma
/manten la kalma/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stay cool" can be translated into Spanish as mantén la calma.
This phrase is used as an instruction to tell someone to remain calm and composed, particularly during a stressful situation.
Which one should you use?
Mantén la calma is a direct command, whereas the infinitive form mantener la calma means "to keep calm".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use either Mantén la calma or Quédate tranquilo/a to say "Stay calm". In Argentina, the phrase Mantené la calma is used. In Spain, Mantén el control is a way to say "Stay composed".
How does it change in a sentence?
To give this instruction to a group of people, use the plural form mantengan la calma.
Did you know?
- The word calma shares an ancient ancestor with the Greek word καίω, which means 'to burn'.
- The verb mantener in mantén la calma comes from the Latin manus meaning 'hand' and tenere meaning 'to hold'.
- While English uses 'cool' to mean both a low temperature and a composed attitude, Spanish uses calma for composure and frío for temperature.
Examples in context
- Mantén la calma durante el examen.Stay calm during the exam.
- Solo mantén la calma y respira.Just stay calm and breathe.
- Si hay un problema, mantén la calma.If there is a problem, stay calm.
Example conversation
Daniel is panicking because he lost his wallet at the airport.
- SofíaDaniel, mantén la calma, por favor.Daniel, please stay calm.
- DanielNo puedo, perdí mi billetera.I can't, I lost my wallet.
- SofíaBusquemos juntos, pero mantén la calma.Let's look together, but stay calm.
- DanielEstá bien, Sofía, lo intentaré.Okay, Sofia, 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.
