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How to Say "peaceful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tranquilo

/tran-KEE-loh//tɾaŋ'kilo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'tranquilo' to describe a person's calm demeanor or a generally calm and quiet environment or situation.
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'.

pacífico

pah-SEE-fee-koh/paˈθi.fi.ko/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'pacífico' to describe a place that is inherently calm, tranquil, and free from disturbance, often emphasizing a sense of serenity.
A serene scene featuring a perfectly still lake reflecting the sky, surrounded by gentle green hills under a bright blue sky, illustrating tranquility.

Examples

El jardín es un lugar muy pacífico para leer.

The garden is a very peaceful place to read.

Ella es una persona pacífica; nunca se enoja.

She is a peaceful person; she never gets angry.

Necesitamos encontrar una solución pacífica al problema.

We need to find a peaceful solution to the problem.

Gender and Number Agreement

Since 'pacífico' is an adjective, its ending must match the noun it describes. Use '-a' for feminine nouns (pacífica) and add '-s' for plural nouns (pacíficos, pacíficas).

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La ciudad es pacífico.”

Correction: La ciudad es pacífica. (The city is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.)

calmado

/kal-MAH-doh//kalˈmaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'calmado' specifically when describing a situation, especially natural elements like the sea or wind, that has become less agitated.
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.

quieto

/kye-toh//ˈkje.to/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'quieto' to describe a scene or place that is still, motionless, and undisturbed, often implying a lack of movement.
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.

Tranquilo vs. Pacífico

Learners often confuse 'tranquilo' and 'pacífico'. Remember that 'tranquilo' is more general for calm people or situations, while 'pacífico' often describes a place with a deeper sense of serenity and lack of conflict. Don't use 'pacífico' for a person's general temperament.

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