con calma
/kon kalma/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'take it easy' is expressed as con calma.
The phrase con calma is used to tell someone to relax or to mean 'slowly' or 'without rushing'. You can also use the expression Tomarse las cosas con calma to mean 'to take things easy'. Additionally, you might use No te estreses if you want to tell someone specifically not to stress themselves.
Meaning: relax (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase con calma literally translates to 'with calm'.
Which one should you use?
While con calma is a common way to express the idea, you can also use the one-word alternatives tranquilo (masculine) or tranquila (feminine) to tell someone to relax or take it easy. When using direct commands, Tómalo con calma means 'take it easy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people use the phrase No te agüites to say don't worry or don't get upset. In some regions of South America, like Argentina and Uruguay, people may use the expression Tranqui as a casual way of saying take it easy.
Did you know?
- The word calma descends from the Ancient Greek word kaûma, which originally referred to 'heat' or 'burning'.
- In Mexico, the phrase no te agüites is used to tell someone to take it easy, which comes from a word meaning 'to wilt' like a plant.
- While tranquilo tells someone to relax, the shortened version tranqui is used in the Southern Cone as a standalone response to mean 'it is all good'.
Examples in context
- Tómatelo con calma, ¿vale?Take it easy, OK?This sentence shows how to use con calma in a casual suggestion.Tatoeba #13364623 by Lernema, translation #2648754 by CK
- Me lo voy a tomar con calma.I'm going to take it easy.This sentence demonstrates the use of con calma to express an intention.Tatoeba #7745868 by arh, translation #7740248 by CK
- Tomémonoslo con calma hoy en la playa.Let's take it easy at the beach today.This sentence illustrates the use of con calma in a group setting at the beach.Tatoeba #5633109 by arh, translation #242748 by CM
- Es importante tomarse las cosas con calma para tomar decisiones acertadasIt's important to take things easy to make wise decisions
- Relájate, todo estará bienTake it easy, everything will be fine
- No te preocupes, tómalo con calmaDon't worry, take it easy
- No te estreses por cosas pequeñasDon't stress yourself over small things
- El médico le indicó a su paciente que se relajara tras recibir buenas noticias sobre su salud.The doctor told their patient to take it easy after hearing good news about their health.
- Después de un largo día de trabajo, mi amigo me dijo "Relájate y disfrutemos de la noche".After a long day of work, my friend told me, "Take it easy and let's enjoy the night."
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is feeling very stressed about a deadline at work.
- ElenaDaniel, no te estreses tanto.Daniel, don't get so stressed.
- DanielEs que tengo mucho trabajo.It's just that I have a lot of work.
- ElenaTrata de hacer todo con calma.Try to do everything with ease.
- DanielTienes razón, Elena. Gracias.You're right, Elena. Thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, con, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
