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How to Say "calm" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “calm” is “tranquilo” — use this to describe a person's general personality or a relaxed state of being, often implying an easy-going nature..

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tranquilo

/tran-KEE-loh//tɾaŋ'kilo/

adjectiveA1general
Use this to describe a person's general personality or a relaxed state of being, often implying an easy-going nature.
A relaxed man peacefully resting in a bright red hammock strung between two palm trees on a quiet, sunny beach.

Examples

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy tranquilo.

My grandfather is a very calm/easy-going man.

Este es un barrio tranquilo por la noche.

This is a quiet neighborhood at night.

Después del examen, me siento más tranquilo.

After the exam, I feel more calm.

Matching Endings: tranquilo vs. tranquila

This word changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'tranquilo' for masculine things (un día tranquilo) and 'tranquila' for feminine things (una persona tranquila).

Describing Personality vs. Feeling: 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Use 'ser tranquilo' to talk about someone's general personality (He is a calm person). Use 'estar tranquilo' to describe how someone feels right now (He is calm at the moment).

Forgetting to change the ending

Mistake: “La ciudad es muy tranquilo por la mañana.”

Correction: La ciudad es muy tranquila por la mañana. Because 'ciudad' (city) is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also end in '-a'.

calma

/KAL-mah//ˈkalma/

nounA2general
This refers to the abstract state or feeling of peace, quiet, and stillness, often sought after or experienced.
A perfectly still, glassy blue lake surrounded by gentle green hills under a clear sky, symbolizing serenity.

Examples

Respira profundo y busca la calma.

Take a deep breath and find your calm.

Me encanta la calma del mar por la mañana.

I love the calm of the sea in the morning.

Después de la discusión, hubo una calma tensa en la habitación.

After the argument, there was a tense quiet in the room.

Always Feminine: 'la calma'

Even though it describes a general feeling, 'calma' is a feminine word in Spanish. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la calma del océano' (the calm of the ocean).

calmado

/kal-MAH-doh//kalˈmaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use this to describe something or someone that has become less agitated or excited, or an environment that is not rough or stormy.
A peaceful lake with perfectly still water reflecting a clear blue sky and a single green tree on the shore.

Examples

Hoy el mar está muy calmado.

The sea is very calm today.

Mi hermano es un chico muy calmado.

My brother is a very quiet/calm boy.

Mantente calmado, todo va a salir bien.

Stay calm, everything is going to be fine.

Changing the Ending

Since this word describes something, it needs to match the gender of the noun. Use 'calmado' for masculine things (el niño) and 'calmada' for feminine things (la niña).

Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “Using 'soy calmado' when you mean you feel calm right now.”

Correction: Use 'estoy calmado' for how you feel in the moment, and 'soy calmado' to describe your permanent personality.

pacífico

adjectiveA2general
This describes a general sense of tranquility and lack of disturbance, often referring to a place or atmosphere.

Examples

El jardín es un lugar muy pacífico para leer.

The garden is a very peaceful place to read.

quieto

/kye-toh//ˈkje.to/

adjectiveB1general
This emphasizes a lack of movement or a still atmosphere, often used for bodies of water after a disturbance.
A perfectly smooth, blue lake reflecting the clear sky and surrounding green trees, creating a calm and peaceful scene.

Examples

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

After the storm, the sea was calm and blue.

Ella tiene una naturaleza quieta y reflexiva.

She has a quiet (calm) and thoughtful nature.

Noun vs. Adjective Confusion

Learners often confuse 'calma' (noun) with adjectives like 'tranquilo' or 'calmado'. Remember that 'calma' refers to the state itself, while the adjectives describe something or someone *possessing* that state or quality.

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