callar
/kah-YAR/
to be silent
When we callar, we choose to be silent.
callar(verb)
to be silent
?as an action
,to shut up
?often used with 'se' (callarse) as an informal command
to fall silent
?describing the start of silence
📝 In Action
Cuando entró la profesora, todos se callaron.
A2When the teacher entered, everyone fell silent (shut up).
¡Cállate! No quiero oír más excusas.
A1Shut up! I don't want to hear any more excuses.
Ella calló y esperó a que yo hablara.
B1She went silent and waited for me to speak.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Action (Callarse)
When you use 'callarse' (with 'se'), you are talking about the action of becoming silent yourself. Think of it as 'to silence oneself'.
Informal Commands
The most common command form is the informal '¡Cállate!' (Shut up!), which attaches the 'te' pronoun to the verb form 'calla'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'callar' instead of 'callarse'
Mistake: "Yo callo cuando estoy aburrido."
Correction: Yo me callo cuando estoy aburrido. ('Callo' means 'I silence' something else; 'me callo' means 'I become silent'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
While '¡Cállate!' is the literal translation of 'Shut up!', it can sound aggressive. For a softer command, try 'Guarda silencio, por favor' (Keep quiet, please).
If you callar someone, you make them stop talking.
callar(verb)
to silence
?to make someone stop talking
,to keep quiet about
?to hide information
to hush
?to quiet down a crowd
📝 In Action
El presentador calló a la audiencia con un gesto.
B1The host silenced the audience with a gesture.
Prometió callar la verdad para proteger a su familia.
B2He promised to keep quiet about the truth to protect his family.
Intentó callar mis argumentos, pero no pudo.
C1He tried to silence my arguments, but he couldn't.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'callar' needs a direct object—it acts upon something else (a person, a group, or a piece of information).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the meanings
Mistake: "El secreto se calló (The secret silenced itself)."
Correction: El secreto fue callado (The secret was kept quiet/silenced). Use the passive voice or a different verb like 'ocultar' (to hide).
⭐ Usage Tips
Hiding Secrets
When talking about secrets, using 'guardar un secreto' (to keep a secret) is more common than 'callar un secreto,' though both are correct.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: callar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'callar' in its reflexive form (callarse)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'callarse' and 'estar callado'?
'Callarse' describes the action of becoming silent (like 'falling silent'). 'Estar callado' describes the state of being quiet or reserved (like 'being quiet'). Example: 'Se calló (action), y ahora está callado (state).'
Is '¡Cállate!' rude?
Yes, '¡Cállate!' is the strongest and most direct command, often considered rude, especially if used with 'usted' (¡Cállese!). It's best reserved for informal situations or when you are genuinely frustrated. Use 'Silencio, por favor' for politeness.