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"Silencio" is a form of "silencio", a noun which is often translated as "silence". "Callarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to be quiet". Learn more about the difference between "callarse" and "silencio" below.
callarse(
kah
-
yahr
-
seh
)
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to be quiet
¿Puedes callarte un rato? Necesito descansar.Can you be quiet for a while? I need some rest.
b. to shut up
¡Cállate de una vez! ¡Me estás dando dolor de cabeza!Shut up once and for all! You're giving me a headache!
a. to keep quiet
Prefiero callarme antes de decir algo de lo que me podría arrepentir.I'd rather keep quiet than say something I'm going to regret.
callar
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to keep quiet
Mejor callar y esperar que no se repita.We'd better keep quiet and hope it doesn't happen again.
a. to be quiet
Calla y déjame pensar.Be quiet and let me think.
b. to shut up
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Calla! Ya has dicho suficiente.Shut up! You've already said enough.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
5. (to silence)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to keep quiet
Mece al bebé para callarlo.Rock the baby to keep him quiet.
a. to keep quiet about
Callaron lo ocurrido por miedo a las represalias.They kept quiet about what happened for fear of retaliation.
b. to keep to oneself
No calles tus preocupaciones. Estamos aquí para ayudar.Don't keep your worries to yourself. We're here to help.
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el silencio(
see
-
lehn
-
syoh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. silence
Prefiero el silencio del campo al ruido de la ciudad.I prefer the silence of the country to the noise of the city.
a. silence
Su silencio fue malinterpretado como complicidad.Her silence was mistaken for complicity.
a. rest
A la introducción le siguen cuatro compases de silencio del chelo.The introduction is followed by four bars of rest in the cello part.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. silence
¡Silencio en clase!Silence in class!
b. quiet
¡Silencio, por favor! Estamos listos para empezar la reunión.Quiet, please! We're ready to start the meeting.
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