Significado
To not say a single word, to remain quiet.
Contexto cultural
During the 'Procesión del Silencio' in cities like Seville or Zamora, thousands of people remain completely quiet for hours as a sign of respect. It is one of the most powerful displays of the phrase in action. In Mexican schools, teachers often use the phrase '¡Hagan silencio!' or 'Guarden silencio' accompanied by a rhythmic clap to get students' attention. It is a core part of classroom discipline. In the Southern Cone, 'Hacer silencio' is often preferred over 'guardar' in casual commands, but 'guardar' remains the standard for legal and formal written contexts. The 'minuto de silencio' is a universal practice in Spanish-speaking countries to honor someone who has died, especially before soccer matches or in political acts.
Polite Commands
If you need to ask a group to be quiet, 'Por favor, guarden silencio' is your safest and most professional bet.
Avoid 'Tener'
Never say 'tener silencio'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake. Use 'guardar' or 'hacer'.
Significado
To not say a single word, to remain quiet.
Polite Commands
If you need to ask a group to be quiet, 'Por favor, guarden silencio' is your safest and most professional bet.
Avoid 'Tener'
Never say 'tener silencio'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake. Use 'guardar' or 'hacer'.
The 'Shhh' Rule
In Spanish culture, a loud '¡Ssssh!' is common, but following it with 'Guarden silencio' makes you sound much more authoritative and educated.
Ponte a prueba
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'guardar'.
En la biblioteca, todos los estudiantes _______ silencio.
The subject is 'todos los estudiantes' (they), so we use the third-person plural 'guardan'.
¿Cuál es la forma más educada de pedir silencio en un hospital?
Una enfermera dice:
'Guarden silencio' is the standard formal and polite way to request quiet in a professional setting.
Empareja la situación con la frase más adecuada.
Situación: Un juicio legal (a trial).
In legal contexts, 'guardar silencio' is the technical and formal term used.
Completa el diálogo entre dos amigos.
Amigo A: ¿Me prometes que no le dirás a nadie mi secreto? Amigo B: Sí, te lo prometo. Voy a _________.
'Guardar silencio' is the correct idiom for keeping a secret or not speaking.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Guardar vs. Callarse
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEn la biblioteca, todos los estudiantes _______ silencio.
The subject is 'todos los estudiantes' (they), so we use the third-person plural 'guardan'.
Una enfermera dice:
'Guarden silencio' is the standard formal and polite way to request quiet in a professional setting.
Situación: Un juicio legal (a trial).
In legal contexts, 'guardar silencio' is the technical and formal term used.
Amigo A: ¿Me prometes que no le dirás a nadie mi secreto? Amigo B: Sí, te lo prometo. Voy a _________.
'Guardar silencio' is the correct idiom for keeping a secret or not speaking.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, 'shut up' is '¡Cállate!' and is much ruder. 'Guardar silencio' is more like 'please remain silent'.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal or dramatic. Use 'quedarse callado' for a more natural feel.
In Spanish idioms, abstract nouns often drop the article. 'Guardar silencio' is a fixed block.
Yes, it is universally understood and used in formal contexts everywhere.
It is a minute where everyone stops talking to honor someone who has died.
Yes, 'mantener el silencio' is also correct and very similar, though slightly less common than 'guardar'.
It is 'el derecho a guardar silencio'.
Both are used, but 'guardar' is more common on signs and 'hacer' in spoken commands.
No, use the adjective 'silencioso' for objects. 'Guardar silencio' is for people.
Yes, to ask for attention or to describe a company not commenting on a topic.
Breaking the silence ('romper el silencio') or 'hacer ruido' (to make noise).
Yes, it is a very common way to ask someone to not tell others something.
Frases relacionadas
Callarse
similarTo stop talking
Hacer mutis
specialized formTo leave or go silent
No decir ni pío
idiomTo not say a word
Silencio administrativo
specialized formLegal silence
Pacto de silencio
builds onA pact of silence
