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quieto

kye-toh/ˈkje.to/

still, motionless

Also: unmoving
A small, brown rabbit sitting perfectly still in a field of green grass, looking forward, completely unmoving.

📝 In Action

El perro se quedó quieto en la esquina esperando su premio.

A1

The dog stayed still in the corner waiting for its treat.

Si te quedas quieto, la ardilla no te verá.

A2

If you stay motionless, the squirrel won't see you.

La foto es borrosa porque no estuviste quieta.

A1

The photo is blurry because you weren't still (feminine form).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inmóvil (immobile)
  • parado (stopped)

Antonyms

  • moviéndose (moving)
  • agitado (agitated)

Common Collocations

  • quedarse quieto – to stay still
  • estar quieto – to be still

calm, peaceful

Also: tranquil
A perfectly smooth, blue lake reflecting the clear sky and surrounding green trees, creating a calm and peaceful scene.

📝 In Action

Después de la tormenta, el mar estaba quieto y azul.

B1

After the storm, the sea was calm and blue.

Ella tiene una naturaleza quieta y reflexiva.

B2

She has a quiet (calm) and thoughtful nature.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • turbulento (turbulent)
  • ruidoso (noisy)

Common Collocations

  • agua quieta – still water
  • persona quieta – calm person

Stop!, Freeze!

Also: Be still!
InterjectionmA1informal
A simple illustration of a person's arm extended, showing a large, open palm facing forward, signaling a halt or stop.

📝 In Action

¡Quieto, niño! No corras tan cerca del fuego.

A1

Stop (moving), kid! Don't run so close to the fire.

El policía gritó: '¡Quietos todos!'

B1

The police officer shouted: 'Everybody freeze!'

Word Connections

Synonyms

🔀 Commonly Confused With

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✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: quieto

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence correctly uses 'quieto' to describe a group of female students?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
quietud(stillness, quietness) — Noun
aquietar(to quiet down, to calm) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
aprietocompleto
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word 'quietus,' meaning 'at rest' or 'calm.' This is the same root that gives us the English words 'quiet' and 'quiescent.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: quietoPortuguese: quieto

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tranquilo' and 'quieto'?

'Tranquilo' usually refers to emotional calmness, peace of mind, or a relaxed state ('I am calm'). 'Quieto' primarily refers to physical stillness or lack of motion ('I am not moving'). They overlap when describing a peaceful environment (e.g., the sea can be 'tranquilo' or 'quieto').

Since 'quieto' ends in 'o', does it always describe a man or a masculine thing?

Yes, 'quieto' (ending in -o) is the masculine singular form. You must change the ending to match what you are describing: 'quietos' for masculine plural, 'quieta' for feminine singular, and 'quietas' for feminine plural.