'Calle' vs. 'Carretera'

Even though it ends in '-e', 'calle' is a feminine word. So, you always say 'la calle' (the street) or 'una calle' (a street).

Always 'la calle'

When you say an address in Spanish, you use 'en la calle' followed by the name. For example, 'La tienda está en la calle Sol.' (The store is on Sol Street).

Giving Addresses

Extremely common. You'll use this word every day when talking about directions, places, and city life.

Mixing up Commands

In Spanish, commands are different for a friend ('tú') versus someone you're showing respect to ('usted'). '¡Calla!' is for 'tú', and '¡Calle!' is for 'usted'.

Two Kinds of Commands

'Calle' is also a special form (called the subjunctive) used after words that express wishes, doubts, or emotions. For example, 'Espero que él se calle' (I hope that he is quiet).

A Special Verb Form for Wishes

Saying '¡Calle!' can be very direct and even rude, similar to 'Shut up!' in English. To be more polite, you can say '¿Puede guardar silencio, por favor?' (Can you please be quiet?).

Be Careful with Tone

This is a form of the verb 'callar' (to be quiet). It's very common as a formal command or in sentences expressing a wish or doubt.

Discover the two meanings of 'calle' in Spanish. Learn how to use 'calle' as the noun for 'street' and as a verb command for 'be quiet'. Includes full conjugations, examples, and usage tips.

calle

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations