How do you say 'shut up' in Spanish?
To say 'shut up' in Spanish, the most common informal phrase is 'cállate' (pronounced KAH-yah-teh) for one person, and 'cállense' (kah-YEHN-seh) for a group; stronger versions include '¡cállate la boca!' or '¡shhh!' depending on how forceful you want to be.
When to use each phrase
Use 'cállate' with friends, siblings, or in casual settings where a direct tone is acceptable. 'Cállense' works when addressing two or more people, whether formally or informally. If you need to soften the request, preface it with 'por favor' or use a milder expression like '¿Podrías callarte, por favor?' Stronger phrases such as '¡cállate la boca!' convey anger or frustration and should be reserved for heated moments; they can sound aggressive, so gauge the situation before using them.
Pronunciation tips
Stress the second syllable in 'cállate': KAH-yah-teh, with a soft 'll' sounding like the 'y' in 'yes'. For 'cállense', stress the third syllable: kah-YEHN-seh. Practice by saying the word slowly, then gradually speed up while keeping the accent on the correct beat. Recording yourself and comparing to a native speaker helps fine‑tune the intonation.
Practice with a Langel
Langels is a voice conversation companion: you choose a Language Angel and talk with her out loud, in real time, no camera or classroom; each Langel has a dial from 'Talk to me' to 'Teach me' that you can turn mid‑conversation; it remembers what you talked about last time; five minutes is enough; mistakes are corrected within its reply; you can ask it to repeat, go slower, or explain in your language; you get in by invitation or by requesting a spot. Spend a few minutes each day asking your Langel to role‑play scenarios where you need to say 'cállate'—for example, interrupting a noisy classmate or asking a friend to lower the volume. The Langel will correct your pronunciation instantly and suggest polite alternatives if your tone is too harsh.
Frequently asked questions
Is 'cállate' rude?
It can be perceived as impolite if used with strangers or in formal contexts, but among close friends it often carries a playful tone. Always consider your relationship and the setting before choosing this phrase.
Can I use 'cállate' with strangers?
Generally, no. With people you don’t know well, opt for a softer request like '¿Podrías hablar más bajo, por favor?' or simply ask them to lower their voice without using an imperative.
What if I want to be polite?
Use 'por favor' and a questioning tone: '¿Te importaría callarte un momento?' or '¿Podrías bajar la voz, por favor?' These constructions convey the same request while maintaining courtesy.
With a Langel
> You: "¿Cómo se dice 'shut up' en español?" > Langel: "Se dice 'cállate'. Pronúncialo KAH-yah-teh. ¿Quieres intentarlo?" > You: "Cállate." > Langel: "Perfecto! Recuerda que es informal; con desconocidos mejor usar un tono más suave o pedir disculpas primero."
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