Which one should you use?
Do not confuse quédate callado (which means to stop talking) with quédate quieto, which means to stop moving or to stay still.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal expression Quédate callado/a is used among friends. Other formal expressions include Manténgase en silencio, Guarde silencio and Permanezca callado/a. In informal settings, you might also use cállate, though be aware that this is much more blunt and potentially rude than quédate callado. For emphasizing urgency, you can use ¡silencio! (silence!) or ¡calla ya! (shut up now!).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective at the end of the phrase must agree with the person you are addressing. If you are addressing a female, use quédate callada. To address a group of people, use quédense callados for a mixed group or an all-male group or quédense calladas if the group is entirely female.
Did you know?
- While callado means 'quiet', the verb callar can also mean 'to keep a secret' or 'to suppress the truth', meaning you are not just silent, but hiding something.
- The phrase callar en seco describes the act of silencing someone abruptly or cutting them off mid-sentence, rather than asking them to be quiet over time.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, placing a finger over the lips while saying calla is considered more of a gentle request, whereas saying cállate without the gesture can feel like a sharp command.
Examples in context
- Por favor, manténgase en silencio durante la reunión.Please, stay quiet during the meeting.
- Les ruego que guarden silencio en el teatro.I kindly ask you to stay quiet in the theater.
- ¡Quédate callado y presta atención a la película!Stay quiet and pay attention to the movie!
- Cállate, ¡no arruines la sorpresa del cumpleaños!Stay quiet, don't ruin the birthday surprise!
- Por favor, quédate callado un momento.Please, stay quiet for a moment.
- Si quieres oír la música, quédate callado.If you want to hear the music, stay quiet.
- ¡Quédate callado, que estoy trabajando!Stay quiet, I am working!
Example conversation
Alejandro is making too much noise while Elena is trying to study.
- ElenaAlejandro, por favor, quédate callado.Alejandro, please, stay quiet.
- AlejandroLo siento, Elena, no era mi intención.I'm sorry, Elena, I didn't mean to.
- ElenaNecesito concentrarme en este libro.I need to concentrate on this book.
- AlejandroEstá bien, no diré nada más.Okay, I won't say anything else.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
