quietos
/kye-tos/
still
The toy soldiers are completely still, illustrating 'quietos' as 'not moving'.
quietos(Adjective)
still
?not moving
,quiet
?not making noise (less common than 'silenciosos')
motionless
?formal synonym for still
,calm
?describing a body of water or atmosphere
📝 In Action
Los leones permanecieron quietos mientras el rebaño pasaba.
A2The lions remained still while the herd passed by.
Todos los chicos estaban quietos esperando su turno.
A1All the boys were quiet/still waiting for their turn.
Las aguas del lago estaban quietos esta mañana.
B1The lake waters were calm this morning.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'quietos' ends in '-os', it describes multiple masculine things (or a mixed group of males and females). Use 'quietas' for multiple females.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: "Los niños son quietos."
Correction: Los niños están quietos. Use 'estar' because 'quietos' describes a temporary state (being still right now), not a permanent characteristic.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Root Word
The base form is 'quieto' (singular, masculine). Remember the four forms: quieto (m.sg), quieta (f.sg), quietos (m.pl), quietas (f.pl).
The adult commands the children, "Be still!" (¡Quietos!), illustrating the interjection form.
quietos(Interjection)
Be still!
?commanding multiple people to stop moving
,Stay put!
?commanding someone to remain in place
Freeze!
?when playing a game or in a serious situation
📝 In Action
¡Quietos, niños! La foto va a salir movida.
A2Stay still, children! The photo is going to come out blurry.
El policía gritó: «¡Quietos! Manos arriba.»
B1The police officer shouted: “Freeze! Hands up.”
¡Quietos todos! Hay algo en el suelo.
A2Everybody stay still! There is something on the floor.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Adjectives as Commands
In Spanish, you can use the plural adjective 'quietos' (or 'quietas') by itself as a strong, direct command, similar to saying 'Be quiet/still!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Singular/Plural
Mistake: "Addressing two people: ¡Quieto!"
Correction: Addressing two or more people requires the plural: ¡Quietos! (masculine/mixed) or ¡Quietas! (feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
Using '¡Quietos!' is usually informal and implies urgency or frustration. For a softer command, use the verb form: 'Estén quietos, por favor' (Be still, please).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quietos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quietos' as a description?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'quietos' and 'silenciosos'?
'Quietos' primarily means 'still' or 'motionless.' While it can sometimes mean 'quiet' (not noisy), 'silenciosos' is the dedicated word for 'silent' or 'making no sound.' If a group is not moving, use 'quietos'; if they are not talking, use 'silenciosos'.
How do I make 'quietos' feminine?
To describe multiple females (or a group of feminine nouns), change the ending to '-as': 'quietas'. Example: 'Las gatas están quietas.' (The female cats are still.)