be quiet

Where's my popcorn? - Be quiet, Grandma. The show is about to start.¿Dónde están mis palomitas? - Guarde silencio, abuela. La función está a punto de empezar.

c. cállate

A word of phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g. How are you?).

(informal)

(singular)

Be quiet already! The movie is starting.¡Cállate ya! Está por empezar la película.

d. cállese

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g. usted).

(formal)

(singular)

Please be quiet, sir. If the rebels hear us, we're done for.Por favor, cállese, señor. Si los insurgentes nos escuchan, estamos perdidos.

2. (imperative; used to address multiple people)

a. guarden silencio (plural)

Children, be quiet. I will now pass out your exams.Niños, guarden silencio. Ya voy a repartir los exámenes.

b. cállense (plural)

If you keep yelling, Mom's going to get mad. Be quiet!Si siguen gritando, mi mamá se va a enojar. ¡Cállense!

An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g. Everybody please stand up.).

intransitive verb phrase

3. (to hush)

a. guardar silencio

You need to be quiet in the library.Hay que guardar silencio en la biblioteca.

b. callarse

I wish the neighbors would be quiet so I could sleep.Ojalá los vecinos se callaran para que pudiera dormir.

Examples