silencioso
/see-len-SYOH-soh/
quiet
A quiet cat in a peaceful room.
silencioso(adjective)
quiet
?a person, place, or object
silent
?complete absence of sound
,noiseless
?technical or mechanical context
π In Action
Mi gato es muy silencioso cuando camina.
A1My cat is very quiet when he walks.
Buscamos un hotel en una calle silenciosa.
A2We are looking for a hotel on a quiet street.
El nuevo motor es totalmente silencioso.
B1The new engine is completely noiseless.
π‘ Grammar Points
Matching the Ending
Remember to change the ending to match what you are describing: 'un coche silencioso' (a quiet car) but 'una casa silenciosa' (a quiet house).
Personality vs. Current State
Use the verb 'ser' (to be) if someone is naturally a quiet person, and 'estar' (to be) if they are just being quiet at this moment.
β Common Pitfalls
Quiet vs. Calm
Mistake: "Using 'silencioso' for a person's mood."
Correction: Use 'tranquilo' for 'calm.' Use 'silencioso' specifically for the lack of sound or talking.
β Usage Tips
Describing Machinery
This is the perfect word for gadgets or cars that don't make a peep. It sounds more natural than saying they have 'no noise'.
A car muffler, known as a 'silencioso' in Spanish, which reduces noise.
π In Action
Tengo que llevar el coche al taller porque el silencioso estΓ‘ roto.
B2I have to take the car to the shop because the muffler is broken.
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: silencioso
Question 1 of 2
How would you describe a quiet library in Spanish?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'callado' and 'silencioso'?
Yes! 'Callado' usually describes a person who doesn't talk much (reserved). 'Silencioso' is broader; it describes anything that doesn't make sound, like a quiet room, a silent movie, or a noiseless cat.
Does 'silencioso' ever change its spelling?
Yes, it changes to match what it describes: silencioso (masculine singular), silenciosa (feminine singular), silenciosos (masculine plural), and silenciosas (feminine plural).