calma
/KAL-mah/
calm
The noun calma refers to a state of peace and tranquility, like the stillness of a lake.
calma(Noun)
calm
?a state of peace
,calmness
?the quality of being peaceful
,quiet
?absence of noise or disturbance
lull
?a temporary pause, like in a storm
📝 In Action
Respira profundo y busca la calma.
A2Take a deep breath and find your calm.
Me encanta la calma del mar por la mañana.
B1I love the calm of the sea in the morning.
Después de la discusión, hubo una calma tensa en la habitación.
B2After the argument, there was a tense quiet in the room.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine: 'la calma'
Even though it describes a general feeling, 'calma' is a feminine word in Spanish. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la calma del océano' (the calm of the ocean).
⭐ Usage Tips
Doing Things 'con calma'
A super useful phrase is 'con calma,' which means 'calmly' or 'take your time.' You can say 'Hazlo con calma' (Do it without rushing) or 'Tómatelo con calma' (Take it easy).
As a verb, calma means 'he/she/it calms,' depicting the action of soothing distress.
calma(Verb)
he/she/it calms
?statement about someone/something
,you calm
?statement about 'usted' (formal you)
calm down!
?command to 'tú' (informal you)
📝 In Action
¡Calma! No hay por qué gritar.
A2Calm down! There's no reason to shout.
Mi padre siempre me calma cuando estoy nervioso.
B1My father always calms me down when I'm nervous.
Usted calma a los inversores con su confianza.
B2You (formal) calm the investors with your confidence.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Jobs, One Word
Notice how 'calma' can be a statement ('él calma' - he calms) or a command ('¡calma!' - calm down!). Context is key. If someone says it directly to you with urgency, it's a command.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formal vs. Informal Commands
Mistake: "Saying '¡Calma!' to a stranger or someone you should show respect to, like a boss."
Correction: Use '¡Calme!' for formal situations (for 'usted'). '¡Calma!' is for friends, family, and people you'd call 'tú'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: calma
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'calma' as a noun, meaning 'calmness'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'calma' and 'tranquilo'?
Great question! 'Calma' is a noun, the *feeling* or *state* of calmness ('la calma'). 'Tranquilo' is an adjective, a word you use to *describe* someone or something as being calm ('él está tranquilo', 'un lugar tranquilo').
Can I say 'Cálmate' instead of '¡Calma!'?
Yes, absolutely! Both are commands telling someone to calm down. 'Cálmate' is very common and might feel a bit more direct. '¡Calma!' is a little softer, like saying 'Easy now' or 'Settle down'.