callar
to be quiet / to shut up / to keep silent
Beginner Verb
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Pronunciation
/kaˈʎaɾ/
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Cultural Note
'¡Cállate!' is one of the first commands Spanish learners encounter. The reflexive 'callarse' is much more common than the non-reflexive form. The proverb 'Quien calla, otorga' (silence gives consent) is widely used. Note that 'cállate' can range from playful to very rude depending on tone and context.
📝 Example Sentences
¡Cállate, por favor!
Be quiet, please!
Prefirió callarse y no decir nada.
She preferred to keep quiet and say nothing.
A veces es mejor callar que hablar.
Sometimes it's better to be silent than to speak.