Learning how to say be quiet in Spanish can help you communicate effectively in different situations, whether you’re asking for silence politely or telling someone to lower their voice.
From classrooms to social gatherings, knowing the right phrase can make all the difference. In this guide, you’ll discover various ways to express be quiet in Spanish, each with its own tone and cultural context.
Mastering these phrases will not only improve your Spanish skills but also help you navigate conversations smoothly. With the right expression, you can keep interactions respectful and clear.
Be Quiet in Spanish
Let’s dive into 15 ways to say be quiet in Spanish, complete with examples and cultural context.
Cállate – Be quiet (informal, singular).
Cállese – Be quiet (formal, singular).
Cállense – Be quiet (plural).
Silencio – Silence / Quiet.
Guarda silencio – Keep quiet.
Haz silencio – Make silence / Keep it down.
Tranquilo – Calm down (to one person, masculine).
Tranquila – Calm down (to one person, feminine).
Baja la voz – Lower your voice.
No hables – Don’t talk (informal).
No hable – Don’t talk (formal).
Guarda la calma – Stay calm.
Shhh – Shhh (same as in English, used to quiet someone).
Por favor, silencio – Silence, please.
Deja de hablar – Stop talking.
1. Cállate – Shut up / Be quiet
Origin:
From the verb callar (to be silent), cállate is the direct command form. It’s strong, sometimes rude if tone isn’t softened.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡No me dejas pensar!
👤 User B: ¡Cállate un momento, por favor!
Use: Firm and commanding. Best used with people you know well—or when you really need silence.
2. Silencio – Silence
Origin:
Used in formal settings like classrooms, theaters, or official speeches. Literally just means “Silence.”
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Por qué todos dejaron de hablar?
👤 User B: La maestra dijo: “¡Silencio!”
Use: Neutral and formal; common in group settings.
3. Guarda silencio – Keep quiet
Origin:
Literally “keep silence,” often used in schools, military, or respectful contexts.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡Estoy emocionado!
👤 User B: Por favor, guarda silencio durante la ceremonia.
Use: Polite and instructional.
4. Baja la voz – Lower your voice
Origin:
Not telling someone to be silent, but to speak more quietly. Useful in public settings.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡¿QUÉ DIJISTE?!
👤 User B: Baja la voz, estás gritando.
Use: Soft correction; good for family or friends.
5. Haz silencio – Make silence
Origin:
Used especially in Latin America. A more polite way to ask for quiet.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Puedo hablar contigo?
👤 User B: Primero haz silencio, por favor.
Use: Courteous, commonly heard in schools.
6. Shhh – Shhh
Origin:
Universal sound for “be quiet.” Works in Spanish-speaking countries too!
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Qué está pasando en la película?
👤 User B: ¡Shhh! Luego te explico.
Use: Informal, non-verbal, very common in libraries or cinemas.
7. Cállense – You all be quiet
Origin:
The plural of cállate. Often used by teachers or parents when addressing groups.
Example:
👤 User A: (grupo hablando)
👤 User B: ¡Chicos, cállense ya!
Use: Strong, used to quiet multiple people.
8. ¡Silencio, por favor! – Silence, please!
Origin:
Adding por favor softens the command. Used by teachers, tour guides, or anyone leading a group.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Qué dice el guía?
👤 User B: ¡Silencio, por favor! Está explicando algo.
Use: Polite and respectful.
9. No hables – Don’t talk
Origin:
Straightforward. From the verb hablar (to talk).
Example:
👤 User A: Pero solo quería decir algo rápido…
👤 User B: No hables ahora, estamos en clase.
Use: Calm but direct; often used with children.
10. Ya, basta – Enough already
Origin:
A phrase that indicates someone is being too noisy or annoying, and it needs to stop now.
Example:
👤 User A: Blah blah blah…
👤 User B: ¡Ya, basta! Estoy harto del ruido.
Use: Frustrated tone; good for arguments.
11. Tranquilo / Tranquila – Calm down
Origin:
From the word for “calm,” this phrase implies the person should quiet down emotionally or verbally.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡No lo soporto!
👤 User B: Tranquilo, respira y cálmate.
Use: Soothing; good for comforting or de-escalating.
12. No hagas ruido – Don’t make noise
Origin:
A softer command often used in homes or shared spaces.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Puedo jugar ahora?
👤 User B: Sí, pero no hagas ruido. Tu hermano duerme.
Use: Gentle; respectful in quiet environments.
13. Calladito estás más guapo – You’re cuter when you’re quiet
Origin:
A humorous (and sometimes passive-aggressive) way to say someone should stop talking.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡Y entonces dije…!
👤 User B: Calladito estás más guapo, ¿sabías?
Use: Playful or flirty, depending on tone.
14. A callar – Time to be quiet
Origin:
Common in parenting or teacher language. It has a tone of finality.
Example:
👤 User A: Pero quiero decir algo más…
👤 User B: ¡A callar! Ya escuchamos suficiente.
Use: Directive; used when silence is non-negotiable.
15. Silencio absoluto – Complete silence
Origin:
Used in exams, speeches, or serious moments.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Puedo toser?
👤 User B: Silencio absoluto, por favor. Estamos grabando.
Use: Very formal and strict.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say be quiet in Spanish is about more than just translation—it’s about understanding tone, context, and cultural nuance. Whether you choose a polite request or a firm command, using the right phrase can help you maintain respect and harmony in any situation. Keep practicing, and you’ll find it easier to express yourself clearly and confidently in Spanish.
