What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb quedarse (to stay/remain) and the adjective quieto (still/motionless).
Which one should you use?
While quédate quieto is an informal way to say "stay still", you can also use the command No te muevas informally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are speaking to someone in a formal or respectful manner, use quédese quieto instead of the informal quédate quieto. Other formal options include Permanezca quieto and Manténgase quieto.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender of the person you are addressing. If you are speaking to a female, you must change the masculine adjective quieto to the feminine quieta, resulting in quédate quieta. To tell a group of people to stay still, use the plural form quédense quietos.
Did you know?
- While quieto means 'still' or 'motionless' in Spanish, its English relative 'quiet' refers to a lack of sound rather than a lack of movement.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the command ¡Quieto! is used as a sharp warning to stop immediately, similar to the English phrase 'Freeze!'
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, telling someone to quedarse quieto can be a metaphorical way of telling them to 'stop bothering' or 'stop being restless' in their behavior, not just their physical movement.
Examples in context
- Por favor, permanezca quieto durante el procedimiento médico.Please, stay still during the medical procedure.
- Le ruego que se mantenga quieto mientras realizamos las mediciones.I kindly ask you to stay still while we take the measurements.
- Quédate quieto mientras te ato los cordones de los zapatos.Stay still while I tie your shoelaces.
- No te muevas, quiero sacar una foto de todos juntos.Don't move, I want to take a picture of everyone together.
- ¡Quédate quieto para la foto!Stay still for the photo!
- Quédate quieto para la foto.Stay still for the photo.
- Por favor, quédate quieto un momento.Please, stay still for a moment.
- ¡Quédate quieto que te vas a caer!Stay still or you are going to fall!
Example conversation
María is trying to put a bandage on Daniel's arm.
- MaríaDaniel, quédate quieto por favor.Daniel, stay still please.
- DanielLo siento, es que me pica.I'm sorry, it's just that it itches.
- MaríaYa casi termino, no te muevas.I'm almost finished, don't move.
- DanielEstá bien, me quedaré quieto.Okay, I will stay still.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
