Inklingo

How to Say "silent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

callado

/ca-YA-do//kaˈʎaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'callado' to describe a person who is habitually quiet or reserved, not necessarily lacking the ability to speak, but choosing not to.
A drawing of a child sitting calmly, pressing a finger vertically to their lips to signal silence in a serene setting.

Examples

Mi hermana es muy callada en clase, pero habla mucho en casa.

My sister is very quiet/reserved in class, but she talks a lot at home.

El bosque estaba callado, solo se escuchaban los pájaros.

The forest was silent; only the birds could be heard.

Se quedó callado cuando le preguntaron por el dinero.

He remained silent when they asked him about the money.

Agreement is Essential

As an adjective, 'callado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'el niño callado' (m), 'la niña callada' (f), 'los niños callados' (plural m).

Callado vs. Silencioso

Mistake: “Using 'silencioso' to describe a person's reserved nature.”

Correction: Use 'callado' for a person who is quiet or reserved ('una persona callada'). Use 'silencioso' for a room or thing that makes no noise ('una habitación silenciosa').

silencioso

see-len-SYOH-soh/silenˈθjoso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'silencioso' to describe something or someone that makes little or no noise, focusing on the absence of sound production.
A fluffy cat sitting peacefully on a soft rug in a quiet library filled with books.

Examples

Mi gato es muy silencioso cuando camina.

My cat is very quiet when he walks.

Buscamos un hotel en una calle silenciosa.

We are looking for a hotel on a quiet street.

El nuevo motor es totalmente silencioso.

The new engine is completely noiseless.

Matching the Ending

Remember to change the ending to match what you are describing: 'un coche silencioso' (a quiet car) but 'una casa silenciosa' (a quiet house).

Personality vs. Current State

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) if someone is naturally a quiet person, and 'estar' (to be) if they are just being quiet at this moment.

Quiet vs. Calm

Mistake: “Using 'silencioso' for a person's mood.”

Correction: Use 'tranquilo' for 'calm.' Use 'silencioso' specifically for the lack of sound or talking.

mudo

MOO-doh/ˈmuðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'mudo' to describe someone who is unable to speak, often due to a physical condition, or temporarily speechless due to shock or surprise.
A small bird sitting on a branch with its beak closed in a quiet forest.

Examples

Él se quedó mudo por la sorpresa.

He was speechless with surprise.

Me gusta ver las películas del cine mudo.

I like watching silent films.

Describing People

When describing a woman, the word changes to 'muda'. For a group of people, use 'mudos' or 'mudas'.

Person vs. Sound

Learners often confuse 'callado' and 'silencioso'. Remember that 'callado' typically describes a person's behavior (quiet demeanor), while 'silencioso' describes the lack of noise produced (e.g., a quiet machine or animal).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.