Inklingo

How to Say "silence!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

silencio

see-LEN-syosiˈlen.sjo

InterjectionA1Neutral
Use this as a general, polite command to be quiet, often used before an event begins or when you need focused quiet from a group.
A friendly librarian character making the 'shush' gesture with a finger over their lips, commanding quietness.

Examples

¡Silencio, por favor! La película va a empezar.

Quiet, please! The movie is about to start.

—Mamá, mamá... —¡Silencio! Estoy en una llamada.

—Mom, Mom... —Hush! I'm on a call.

Watch Your Tone

Mistake: “Using '¡Silencio!' in a casual chat when you want to interrupt.”

Correction: Try a softer phrase like 'Un momento, por favor'. '¡Silencio!' is a direct command and can sound bossy or rude if you're not careful.

calla

káy-yaˈka.ʎa

InterjectionA1Informal
This is a direct and often emphatic command to be quiet, typically used when speaking to one person informally and you want them to stop talking immediately.
A storybook illustration depicting a hand making the universal 'shush' gesture by placing the index finger against the lips, signaling a command for silence.

Examples

¡Calla, por favor! No puedo concentrarme.

Be quiet, please! I can't concentrate.

Cuando te dicen: '¡Calla!', significa que quieren que dejes de hablar inmediatamente.

When they tell you: 'Be quiet!', it means they want you to stop talking immediately.

The 'Tú' Command

This form, 'calla,' is the affirmative command you use when talking directly to someone you know well (the 'tú' form). It often sounds impatient or urgent.

Formal Command

If you need to tell someone you don't know well (formal 'usted') to be quiet, you must use 'calle,' not 'calla.' Be careful with the tone!

Mixing Command Levels

Mistake: “Using '¡Calla!' when addressing a boss or elder (Usted).”

Correction: Use '¡Calle!' (the formal command) to show respect, or 'Guarde silencio' (Keep silence) for a very formal setting.

cállense

Verb FormA1Informal/Urgent
This is the plural imperative form of 'callar,' used as an urgent command to multiple people to be quiet.

Examples

¡Cállense, por favor! No puedo escuchar la película.

Be quiet, please! I can't hear the movie.

Choosing between 'calla' and 'silencio'

Learners often confuse 'calla' and 'silencio.' 'Silencio' is a more general, often polite, interjection suitable for groups or formal settings. 'Calla' is a direct command, usually informal, and best for addressing one person you know well.

Related Translations

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