Inklingo

How to Say "calm down" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cálmate

VerbA1Informal
Use this when directly telling one person informally (tú) to calm down.

Examples

¡Cálmate! No llores, el autobús llegará pronto.

Calm down! Don't cry, the bus will arrive soon.

tranquila

trahn-KEE-lah/tɾaŋˈki.la/

InterjectionA2Informal
Use this as a reassuring, informal command to a female person (or when the gender is unknown/irrelevant) to relax.
A kind figure gently placing a comforting hand on the shoulder of a slightly worried child, offering reassurance and suggesting they calm down.

Examples

¡Tranquila! No hay prisa, podemos empezar más tarde.

Calm down! There's no rush, we can start later.

Me preocupan los exámenes. — ¡Tranquila, te irá bien!

I'm worried about the exams. — Don't worry, you'll do fine!

Using the Command Form

When used as a command, 'tranquila' is short for 'mantente tranquila' (keep yourself calm). Since you are speaking to one female person, you use the feminine '-a' ending.

cálmense

VerbA2Informal/Neutral
Use this when telling a group of people to calm down or be quiet.

Examples

¡Por favor, cálmense y escuchen!

Please, calm down and listen!

tranquilízate

VerbA2Informal
Use this as a direct, informal command to one person (tú) to calm down, often implying a need to relax or take control of emotions.

Examples

¡Estás muy nervioso! Respira hondo y tranquilízate.

You are very nervous! Take a deep breath and calm down.

cálmese

VerbA2Formal
Use this when formally addressing one person (usted) to calm down.

Examples

Señora López, por favor, cálmese. No hay necesidad de gritar.

Mrs. López, please, calm down. There is no need to shout.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common mistake is using the informal 'cálmate' or 'tranquilízate' when you should be using the formal 'cálmese' with someone you don't know well or an elder. Always consider your relationship with the person you are addressing.

Related Translations

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