quieto
/kye-toh/
still
A rabbit remaining perfectly still (quieto) in the grass.
quieto(Adjective)
still
?not moving
,motionless
?completely stopped
unmoving
?describing an object
📝 In Action
El perro se quedó quieto en la esquina esperando su premio.
A1The dog stayed still in the corner waiting for its treat.
Si te quedas quieto, la ardilla no te verá.
A2If you stay motionless, the squirrel won't see you.
La foto es borrosa porque no estuviste quieta.
A1The photo is blurry because you weren't still (feminine form).
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'quieto' is an adjective, its ending must match the gender and number of the person or thing it describes: quieto (m. sing.), quieta (f. sing.), quietos (m. plural), quietas (f. plural).
Using Ser vs. Estar
Use 'estar' (like in 'estar quieto') to describe a temporary state of not moving. Use 'ser' only if you are describing someone who is naturally a very calm or inactive person, but this is less common.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender Match
Mistake: "La niña es quieto."
Correction: La niña es quieta. (The adjective must end in 'a' to match 'niña'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Stay Still' Command
When used as a command (often with children or pets), you must match the form: '¡Quieto!' (to a boy/male pet) or '¡Quieta!' (to a girl/female pet).
The calm (quieto) water of the lake reflects the peaceful sky.
quieto(Adjective)
calm
?peaceful atmosphere or demeanor
,peaceful
?referring to a scene or place
tranquil
?describing deep serenity
📝 In Action
Después de la tormenta, el mar estaba quieto y azul.
B1After the storm, the sea was calm and blue.
Ella tiene una naturaleza quieta y reflexiva.
B2She has a quiet (calm) and thoughtful nature.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Water
'El agua está quieta' is a very common way to say the water is still or flat, often implying a beautiful, undisturbed scene.
A raised hand signaling Stop! (¡Quieto!)
quieto(Interjection)
Stop!
?commanding physical movement to cease
,Freeze!
?urgent command
Be still!
?telling someone to settle down
📝 In Action
¡Quieto, niño! No corras tan cerca del fuego.
A1Stop (moving), kid! Don't run so close to the fire.
El policía gritó: '¡Quietos todos!'
B1The police officer shouted: 'Everybody freeze!'
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Command Form
When used as a command, '¡Quieto!' is short for '¡Estate quieto!' (Stay still!). You still need to match the person(s) you are addressing: '¡Quietos!' for a group of men or mixed group, '¡Quietas!' for a group of women.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
Using '¡Quieto!' is often firm and sometimes impatient, typically used to control children, pets, or in urgent situations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quieto
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'quieto' to describe a group of female students?
📚 More Resources
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.