calla
/káy-ya/
is quiet
When someone 'calla', they are quiet or silent.
calla(Verb (Conjugation))
is quiet
?He/She/It is quiet
,stays silent
?Formal 'You' stays silent
shuts up
?Informal and sometimes rude, depending on context
📝 In Action
Ella calla siempre que su jefe habla.
A1She is quiet whenever her boss speaks.
Usted calla para escuchar la música.
A2You (formal) are quiet in order to listen to the music.
💡 Grammar Points
The Root Verb
The word 'calla' comes from the verb 'callar,' meaning to stop talking or making noise. It's a regular '-ar' verb, making its endings predictable.
⭐ Usage Tips
Statement vs. Command
When used as a statement ('He is quiet'), 'calla' has a neutral tone. It only becomes a command when used alone or directly addressing someone (See Definition 2).
As an informal command, '¡Calla!' means 'Be quiet!'
calla(Interjection)
Be quiet!
?Informal command (tú)
,Shut up!
?Strong, informal command
Silence!
?Used for emphasis
📝 In Action
¡Calla, por favor! No puedo concentrarme.
A1Be quiet, please! I can't concentrate.
Cuando te dicen: '¡Calla!', significa que quieren que dejes de hablar inmediatamente.
A2When they tell you: 'Be quiet!', it means they want you to stop talking immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Command
This form, 'calla,' is the affirmative command you use when talking directly to someone you know well (the 'tú' form). It often sounds impatient or urgent.
Formal Command
If you need to tell someone you don't know well (formal 'usted') to be quiet, you must use 'calle,' not 'calla.' Be careful with the tone!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Command Levels
Mistake: "Using '¡Calla!' when addressing a boss or elder (Usted)."
Correction: Use '¡Calle!' (the formal command) to show respect, or 'Guarde silencio' (Keep silence) for a very formal setting.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: calla
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'calla' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'calla' and 'calle'?
'Calla' is the informal command ('tú') you use with friends or family to tell them to be quiet. 'Calle' is the formal command ('usted') used to show respect to someone you don't know well or someone in authority.
Is 'calla' rude?
It depends entirely on your tone and the person you are speaking to. Used alone, '¡Calla!' can be very rude, like 'Shut up!' But if you soften it with 'Calla, por favor' (Be quiet, please), it is much more polite.