"Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente."
/meh GOOS-tahs KWAN-doh KAH-yahs POR-keh es-TAHS KOH-moh ow-SEN-teh/
I like you when you're quiet because you are as if absent.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente."
🎨 Visual Representation
Neruda's famous line evokes a love that is distant, melancholic, and almost dreamlike.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
This is the opening line of 'Poema 15' from the collection 'Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada' ('Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair'), published in 1924.
📝 In Action
Mi poema favorito empieza con 'Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente'.
B2My favorite poem begins with 'I like you when you're quiet because you are as if absent'.
La obra de Neruda es icónica, pero esa línea sobre 'me gustas cuando callas' es bastante polémica hoy en día.
C1Neruda's work is iconic, but that line about 'I like you when you're quiet' is quite controversial nowadays.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1924, this book was written when Neruda was only 19. It captured the intensity and melancholy of young love, breaking from older, more rigid poetic forms. The book became one of the most beloved poetry collections in the Spanish language, cementing Neruda's fame.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is one of the most recognizable lines in all of Spanish-language poetry. For generations, it was seen as the pinnacle of romance. In recent decades, however, it has become a flashpoint for feminist critique, with many arguing that it glorifies the silencing of women. Its meaning is now a topic of lively debate, making it a fascinating cultural artifact.
📚 Literary Analysis
The quote uses a simile ('como ausente' - 'as if absent') to transform a person into an ethereal object of contemplation. The speaker's love is directed at her quiet form, which he feels he can 'possess.' This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores themes of distance, memory, and a love that feels both intense and lonely.
⭐ Usage Tips
Acknowledge Its Complexity
When referencing this quote, it's best to show you understand its dual reputation. You can appreciate its beautiful sound and classic status while also noting that its message is debated today. This shows cultural fluency.
Use in Literary Discussions
This quote is perfect for discussions about poetry, love, Pablo Neruda, or how cultural perspectives change over time. It's less suited for a casual modern compliment, as it might be misinterpreted.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente.
Question 1 of 2
Who is the author of the line 'Me gustas cuando callas...'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quote meant to be romantic or is it offensive?
It's one of literature's great debates! For decades, it was seen as purely romantic. Today, many view it through a critical lens as it seems to prefer a woman who is silent and passive. The best answer is that it's a complex line that can be interpreted in both ways, and its meaning has evolved with cultural values.
Is this from a book or just a standalone quote?
It's the very first line of a full poem, 'Poema 15', which is part of Pablo Neruda's most famous book, 'Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada'. Reading the whole poem gives the line much more context and depth.