quieta
/KYEH-tah/
still
When something is quieta, it is still and not moving.
📝 In Action
La niña está quieta, por fin.
A1The girl is still, finally.
Ella se mantuvo quieta durante toda la ceremonia.
A2She remained quiet (or still) throughout the entire ceremony.
La superficie del agua estaba completamente quieta.
B1The surface of the water was completely still.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since this word ends in '-a', it is used to describe female people or things. It must match the noun it describes: 'la perra quieta' (the still dog).
Ser vs. Estar
Use 'estar quieta' when describing a temporary state of stillness or current location. Use 'ser quieta' to describe a personality trait (rarely used).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'still' and 'silent'
Mistake: "Using 'quieta' when you mean 'silent' (callada)."
Correction: 'Quieta' means no movement. If you want to say 'she is silent,' use 'Ella está callada.' If you mean 'she is not moving,' use 'Ella está quieta.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Movement
Think of 'quieta' as the opposite of 'moving.' It describes physical or emotional stability, not necessarily the absence of sound.
As an interjection, quieta is a command telling a female subject, like a kitten, to stop moving.
quieta(Interjection)
Stop!
?commanding a female person/animal to cease moving
,Hold still!
?commanding stillness
Calm down!
?commanding emotional stillness
📝 In Action
¡Quieta, Luna! No te muevas.
A2Hold still, Luna! Don't move.
¡Quieta ahí! Necesito verte la cara.
B1Stay right there! I need to see your face.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Command
When used alone as an exclamation, '¡Quieta!' is a short way of saying 'Stay still!' or 'Be still!' It is only used when addressing a female person or animal.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Use
This is a direct, strong command. Use the more formal 'Esté quieta' if speaking to an adult you address as 'usted' or if you want to be more polite.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quieta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quieta' to describe a lack of movement?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'quieta' and 'callada'?
'Quieta' means 'still' or 'motionless' (referring to movement or restlessness). 'Callada' means 'silent' or 'quiet' (referring to sound). A person can be 'quieta' but still whispering, or 'callada' but tapping their foot.
How do I use the masculine form of this word?
The masculine form is 'quieto.' You would use it to describe a male person or thing: 'El niño está quieto' (The boy is still).