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A2 verb #6,500 mais comum 16 min de leitura

callar

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas callar em 30 segundos

Explicação callar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will encounter 'callar' primarily in its imperative form. You might learn '¡Cállate!' as a way to say 'Shut up,' though you should be warned that it is quite strong. You will also learn the basic present tense conjugation to express simple ideas like 'Yo me callo' (I am being quiet). The focus at this level is on understanding the word when you hear it in a classroom or a movie and knowing that it relates to stopping noise or speech. You will likely use it in very short, direct sentences. For example, 'Por favor, calla' (Please, be quiet). You might also learn it in the context of basic classroom commands alongside 'escuchar' (to listen) and 'mirar' (to look). The concept of reflexive verbs is new at A1, so you might just memorize 'me callo' or 'te callas' as fixed phrases without fully understanding the underlying grammar yet.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'callar' more flexibly in different tenses. You will learn the preterite ('se calló') and the imperfect ('callaba') to describe past events. You will also start to distinguish between 'callar' (to silence someone else) and 'callarse' (to silence oneself). This is the level where you start to understand that 'callar' can also mean keeping a secret, as in 'Él calló la verdad.' You will be able to form slightly more complex sentences, such as 'Cuando el profesor entró, los estudiantes se callaron.' Your vocabulary will expand to include common phrases like 'callar la boca.' You are also expected to understand the social context of the word and when it might be considered rude to use the imperative form. You might begin to see the word in simple stories or news headlines about people being silenced.

At the B1 level, you will master the use of 'callar' in the subjunctive mood, which is crucial for expressing desires, doubts, and commands. Sentences like 'Espero que te calles' or 'No creo que ella se calle' become part of your repertoire. You will also explore more idiomatic expressions involving the word, such as 'quien calla otorga' (silence implies consent). Your understanding of the transitive use of 'callar' will deepen, allowing you to discuss topics like 'callar los rumores' (silencing rumors). At this level, you can use the word to describe more abstract concepts of silence in professional or social settings. You will also be able to use the future and conditional tenses to talk about hypothetical situations, such as 'Si me pagas, me callaré' (If you pay me, I will be quiet). Your ability to use the word in different registers—from casual talk with friends to more formal discussions—will improve significantly.

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At the B2 level, you will use 'callar' with a high degree of nuance. You will understand its role in literature and media, recognizing when it is used metaphorically. You will be comfortable using the word in complex grammatical structures, such as the past subjunctive or with various prepositions. You will also learn more sophisticated synonyms like 'enmudecer' or 'acallar' and know when to use them instead of 'callar.' At B2, you should be able to discuss the social and political implications of 'callar'—for example, talking about the 'silencing' of voices in history or the importance of not 'callando' when witnessing an injustice. You will also be able to handle idiomatic expressions with ease and understand the cultural references associated with the word, such as famous movie quotes or historical speeches. Your use of 'callar' will feel natural and integrated into your overall fluency.

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At the C1 level, 'callar' becomes a tool for precise and expressive communication. You will understand the subtle differences between 'callar,' 'silenciar,' 'omitir,' and 'acallar' and choose the word that fits the exact tone you want to convey. You will be able to use the word in academic or professional writing to describe the omission of data or the suppression of information. In conversation, you can use 'callar' to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotion. You will have a profound understanding of the cultural weight of silence in the Hispanic world and can discuss philosophical themes related to 'el arte de callar' (the art of being silent). You will also be able to recognize and use rare or archaic forms of the word in literary texts. Your mastery of 'callar' will be such that you can use it to negotiate complex social situations where what is not said is just as important as what is said.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'callar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the finest nuances of the word in the poetry of Neruda or the prose of Cervantes. You can use 'callar' in high-level diplomatic, legal, or literary contexts with perfect precision. You are aware of regional variations in the word's usage and can adapt your speech accordingly. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of silence and the ethics of 'callar.' At this level, 'callar' is not just a verb in your vocabulary; it is a concept that you can manipulate to create rhythm, tension, or emphasis in your speech and writing. You can use the word to express the most subtle shades of meaning, from the silence of a guilty conscience to the silence of a profound spiritual experience. Your command of the word is absolute and effortless.

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callar em 30 segundos

Callar is the primary Spanish verb for 'to be silent' or 'to stop talking,' essential for everyday communication and social management.
It has two main forms: 'callar' (transitive/intransitive) and 'callarse' (reflexive), with the reflexive being the most common in daily speech.
The imperative form '¡Cállate!' is very direct and can be considered rude, so it should be used with caution in social settings.
Beyond literal silence, it is used metaphorically for keeping secrets, omitting information, or describing the quiet of nature.

The Spanish verb callar is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to be silent,' 'to stop talking,' or 'to silence.' Unlike the English word 'quiet,' which is frequently used as an adjective, 'callar' is a dynamic verb that captures the transition from noise to silence or the deliberate act of withholding speech. In the vast landscape of the Spanish language, 'callar' occupies a space that is both literal and metaphorical. At its most basic level, it describes the physical cessation of sound. If a room is noisy and suddenly becomes quiet, one might say 'la sala se calló.' However, the word is most frequently applied to human communication. It is the act of choosing not to speak or being forced to stop speaking. Understanding 'callar' requires a grasp of its two primary forms: the intransitive/transitive 'callar' and the pronominal 'callarse.' The pronominal form, 'callarse,' is incredibly common in daily life and is used when a person silences themselves. For example, if you are talking too much and realize it, you might say 'Mejor me callo' (Better I shut up). This nuance is vital for English speakers because English often uses the same phrase 'be quiet' for both a state of being and an action, whereas Spanish distinguishes the action through this verb.

Direct Action: When you use 'callar' transitively, you are silencing someone else or something. 'El profesor calló a los alumnos' means the teacher silenced the students. This implies an exercise of authority or a direct intervention to stop noise.

Es mejor callar cuando no se tiene nada bueno que decir.

In social contexts, 'callar' is often associated with wisdom and discretion. There is a famous Spanish proverb, 'En boca cerrada no entran moscas' (In a closed mouth, no flies enter), which reinforces the cultural value of knowing when to remain silent. However, 'callar' can also have a darker connotation, referring to the suppression of truth or the act of keeping a secret that should be revealed. When someone 'calla la verdad' (withholds the truth), they are actively participating in a form of deception or omission. This makes the verb central to discussions about ethics, law, and personal relationships. In a classroom setting, a teacher might say '¡Callaos!' to a group of children, which is the imperative form in Spain, while in Latin America, '¡Cállense!' is the standard. It is important to note that the imperative '¡Cállate!' (Shut up) can be perceived as quite rude or aggressive, much like its English counterpart. To be more polite, one might use 'Por favor, guarda silencio' (Please, keep silence). Furthermore, 'callar' is used in literature and poetry to describe the silence of nature, the night, or the dead. When the wind stops blowing, a poet might say 'el viento se calla.' This personification of natural elements adds a layer of depth to the verb, making it more than just a human action. In professional environments, 'callar' might appear in the context of confidentiality agreements or 'acuerdos de confidencialidad,' where parties agree to 'callar' or not disclose sensitive information. The breadth of this word's application—from a mother shushing a baby to a witness refusing to testify—makes it a cornerstone of Spanish vocabulary that every learner must master to navigate both casual and formal interactions effectively. Throughout your Spanish journey, you will find that 'callar' is not just about the absence of noise, but about the presence of intention behind that silence. Whether it is a respectful silence during a ceremony or the awkward silence after a difficult question, 'callar' provides the linguistic framework to describe these moments accurately.

Reflexive Nuance: The reflexive 'callarse' is almost always used when the subject is the one becoming silent. 'Me callo' means 'I am stopping myself from talking.' It is the most common way to express 'I'll be quiet now.'

Cuando el jefe entró, todos se callaron inmediatamente.

Finally, the verb is often contrasted with 'hablar' (to speak). The balance between 'hablar' and 'callar' is a recurring theme in Spanish philosophy and literature, emphasizing that what is left unsaid is often as important as what is articulated aloud.

Using the verb callar correctly involves understanding its conjugation and the distinction between its transitive and pronominal forms. As a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation patterns are predictable, making it accessible for beginners. However, the complexity arises in how it is applied in different syntactic structures. In its simplest form, 'callar' is used as an intransitive verb meaning 'to be silent.' For instance, 'El bosque calla' (The forest is silent). Here, it describes a state or a condition of silence. When used transitively, it requires a direct object: 'La madre calló al niño con un beso' (The mother silenced the child with a kiss). In this case, 'el niño' is the object being silenced. The most frequent use for learners, however, is the pronominal form 'callarse.' This is used when the subject performs the action of silencing themselves.

Pronominal Conjugation: Yo me callo, tú te callas, él/ella se calla, nosotros nos callamos, vosotros os calláis, ellos se callan. This form is essential for saying 'I'll be quiet' or 'They stopped talking.'

Si no tienes nada interesante que aportar, es mejor que te calles.

The imperative mood is where English speakers often encounter 'callar' first. Commands like '¡Cállate!' (Shut up! - informal singular), '¡Cállese!' (Shut up! - formal singular), '¡Callaos!' (Shut up! - informal plural in Spain), and '¡Cállense!' (Shut up! - plural in Latin America/formal in Spain) are direct and forceful. Because these can be seen as rude, they are often softened with 'por favor' or replaced by 'guarda silencio.' In the past tense, 'callar' helps describe scenes. 'Se calló de repente' (He suddenly stopped talking) uses the preterite to indicate a completed action at a specific moment. Conversely, 'Él callaba mientras ella gritaba' (He was silent while she was shouting) uses the imperfect to describe an ongoing state of silence in the past. The verb also appears in the subjunctive mood frequently, especially after expressions of desire or command. 'Quiero que te calles' (I want you to be quiet) is a common, if somewhat aggressive, construction. In more formal writing, 'callar' can be used to describe the omission of information in a report or text: 'El autor calla los detalles más escabrosos de la historia' (The author omits the most lurid details of the story). This transitive use for 'omitting' or 'withholding' is a higher-level application of the word. Another interesting structure is 'hacer callar,' which literally means 'to make (someone) be silent.' 'El director hizo callar a la orquesta' (The conductor made the orchestra be silent). This is a very common way to express the act of silencing a group.

Idiomatic Usage: The phrase 'callar la boca' is an emphatic way to say 'to shut one's mouth.' It is often used in arguments: '¡Cállate la boca!'

No pude callar lo que sentía y se lo dije todo.

When practicing 'callar,' it is helpful to pair it with adverbs that describe the manner of silence. 'Callar prudentemente' (to be wisely silent), 'callar obstinadamente' (to be stubbornly silent), or 'callar repentinamente' (to fall silent suddenly). These combinations allow for a more nuanced expression of why and how someone has stopped speaking. As you progress to more advanced Spanish, you will see 'callar' in complex sentences involving the conditional mood: 'Si supiera la verdad, no se callaría' (If he knew the truth, he wouldn't stay silent). Mastering these various forms ensures that you can handle everything from a simple request for quiet to a complex discussion about secrets and truth-telling.

The verb callar is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in every conceivable social and professional setting. In domestic environments, you will hear it most frequently from parents and caregivers. A mother might gently say 'Calla, mi niño' (Be quiet, my child) as a lullaby or a stern '¡Te callas ahora mismo!' (You shut up right now!) during a moment of frustration. In schools, 'callar' is the primary verb used by teachers to manage a classroom. The sound of a teacher clapping their hands and shouting '¡A callar!' (Time to be quiet!) is a universal experience for Spanish-speaking students. In the workplace, 'callar' takes on a more professional tone. During meetings, someone might say 'Perdón, no me voy a callar porque esto es importante' (Sorry, I'm not going to stay silent because this is important). This highlights the word's role in professional discourse and the assertion of one's voice.

Media and News: In news broadcasts, 'callar' is often used in the context of censorship or legal silence. Reporters might talk about how a government 'intentó callar a la prensa' (tried to silence the press).

El testigo decidió callar por miedo a las represalias.

Pop culture is another major source of this word. Spanish-language music, from reggaeton to romantic ballads, frequently uses 'callar.' In a romantic song, a singer might plead 'Cállame con un beso' (Silence me with a kiss), using the verb to create a sense of intimacy and passion. Conversely, in urban music, the phrase 'No me van a callar' (They aren't going to silence me) is a common theme of resistance and self-expression. Movies and television dramas (telenovelas) are filled with dramatic moments where a character reveals a secret they have 'callado' (kept silent) for years. The phrase '¿Por qué te callaste?' (Why did you stay silent?) is a classic line in many a dramatic confrontation. In sports, particularly soccer (fútbol), you might hear commentators say 'El estadio se calló' when the home team concedes a goal, describing the sudden hush of thousands of fans. Fans might also use the expression 'callar bocas' (to silence mouths/critics) when a player who has been criticized performs exceptionally well. This idiomatic use is very common in sports journalism.

Legal and Judicial: In a courtroom, the right to remain silent is expressed as 'el derecho a guardar silencio,' but the act of a judge silencing the gallery would be 'el juez calló a los presentes.'

A veces, la naturaleza nos obliga a callar para escuchar su grandeza.

In public spaces like libraries or hospitals, signs might not use 'callar' directly (often opting for 'Silencio, por favor'), but staff will certainly use it. 'Les ruego que se callen' (I beg you to be quiet) is a polite but firm way a librarian might address a noisy group. Even in the digital world, 'callar' appears. To 'mute' a conversation or a user on social media is often translated as 'silenciar,' but in casual conversation, someone might say 'Lo callé en el chat' (I silenced him in the chat). The word's versatility across these different domains—from the intimate to the public, from the literal to the figurative—demonstrates its central role in the Spanish communicative experience.

For English speakers learning Spanish, the verb callar presents several pitfalls that can lead to confusion or unintended rudeness. The first and most significant mistake is the confusion between 'callar' and 'callarse.' Many learners forget the reflexive pronoun 'se' when they want to say 'to be quiet' or 'to shut up.' Saying 'Yo callo' is grammatically correct but sounds very poetic or archaic, like 'I am silent.' In 99% of daily situations, if you want to say 'I'll be quiet,' you must use 'Me callo.' Forgetting the reflexive pronoun can make your speech sound stiff or unnatural. Another common error is the misuse of the imperative. In English, 'Be quiet' can range from a gentle request to a firm command. In Spanish, '¡Cállate!' is almost always aggressive. Learners often use it when they should be using 'Guarda silencio' or '¿Puedes hacer menos ruido?' (Can you make less noise?). Using '¡Cállate!' with a boss, a teacher, or an elder is a serious social faux pas.

Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive: Use 'callarse' for the subject silencing themselves. Use 'callar' for silencing others or keeping secrets. Example: 'Me callo' (I shut up) vs. 'Lo callo' (I silence him).

Incorrect: Yo callo ahora. Correct: Yo me callo ahora.

A phonetic mistake often occurs because 'callar' looks similar to 'calle' (street) or 'caer' (to fall). Learners might mispronounce 'callar' as 'cay-ar' or 'cal-er.' Remember that the double 'll' in most dialects is pronounced like a 'y' (ka-YAR). Also, do not confuse 'callar' with 'silenciar.' While they are synonyms, 'silenciar' is more technical or formal, often used for electronic devices or official censorship. Using 'silenciar' in a casual conversation where 'callar' is expected can sound overly formal. For example, you 'callas' a crying baby, but you 'silencias' a cell phone. Another nuance involves the expression 'callar algo.' English speakers often want to say 'keep a secret' using 'mantener un secreto.' While correct, 'callar un secreto' is very common and more idiomatic. However, learners sometimes use 'callarse un secreto,' adding a reflexive pronoun where it isn't needed for the transitive sense of withholding information.

Preposition Pitfall: When you want to say 'to be silent about something,' use 'callar sobre' or simply 'callar' followed by the object. Do not translate 'about' as 'cerca de' in this context.

No es bueno callar lo que te duele.

Finally, avoid overusing 'callar' for non-vocal sounds. If a car engine stops, 'el motor se paró' is more natural than 'el motor se calló,' although the latter can be used for poetic effect. 'Callar' is most strongly linked to voices and communicative sounds. By being mindful of these distinctions—reflexive usage, social register, and phonetic clarity—you will avoid the most common errors and speak more like a native.

While callar is the most common verb for stopping speech, the Spanish language offers a rich array of synonyms and alternatives, each with its own specific nuance and register. Understanding these can help you choose the exactly right word for your context. The most direct synonym is 'silenciar.' As mentioned previously, 'silenciar' is often more formal or technical. It is used in contexts like 'silenciar las armas' (silencing the weapons/truce) or 'silenciar el micrófono' (muting the microphone). Another powerful alternative is 'enmudecer.' This verb implies becoming mute, often due to a strong emotion like shock, fear, or awe. If you see something incredible and can't speak, you 'enmudeces.' It is a more literary and evocative word than 'callar.'

Enmudecer vs. Callar: 'Callar' is an act of will or a command. 'Enmudecer' is often an involuntary reaction to an overwhelming situation.

La multitud enmudeció ante la tragedia.

If you are looking for a way to say 'to keep quiet' in a more defensive or secretive sense, 'reservar' or 'omitir' might be appropriate. 'Omitir' specifically means to leave something out, which is a form of 'callar' information. 'Se omitieron los nombres de los culpables' (The names of the guilty were omitted). For a more aggressive or physical way of silencing someone, you might encounter 'amordazar' (to gag). This is used literally in crime contexts but also metaphorically in politics: 'amordazar a la oposición' (to gag the opposition). In a more positive or calming context, 'aplacar' or 'sosegar' can be used. These mean to calm or soothe, which often results in silence. 'La madre aplacó el llanto del bebé' (The mother calmed the baby's crying). For those looking for slang or very informal alternatives, 'cerrar el pico' (to shut one's beak) is a common way to say 'shut up.' It is similar to 'callar la boca' but slightly more colorful and informal. In some regions, 'morderse la lengua' (to bite one's tongue) is used when someone desperately wants to speak but chooses to 'callar' to avoid trouble.

Comparison Table: 1. Callar: General use, neutral. 2. Silenciar: Formal, technical. 3. Enmudecer: Literary, emotional. 4. Amordazar: Aggressive, restrictive.

Es mejor morderse la lengua que herir a un amigo.

Finally, the phrase 'guardar silencio' (to keep silence) is the best all-around polite alternative to 'callar.' It is what you will hear in hospitals, libraries, and during formal ceremonies. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'callar,' you gain the ability to express the subtleties of silence—whether it is the silence of a secret, the silence of respect, or the silence of shock.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word is a cognate of the English word 'catarrh' (via the Greek root for 'flowing down'), though their meanings have diverged wildly over millennia.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kaˈʎaɾ/

US /kaˈjaɾ/

The stress is on the final syllable 'lar' because it ends in 'r'.

Rima com

Hablar Cantar Bailar Mirar Amar Llegar Pasar Pensar

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'll' as an 'l'. It should be 'y' or 'ly'.
Stressing the first syllable. It must be ka-YAR.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r'. It should be a quick tap of the tongue.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'calle' (KAH-yeh).
Swallowing the final 'r' too much.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in text.

Escrita 3/5

Requires understanding of reflexive pronouns and regular conjugation.

Expressão oral 3/5

The 'll' pronunciation and the social weight of the imperative require care.

Audição 2/5

Usually clear, though regional accents may affect the 'll' sound.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Hablar Decir Silencio Boca Ruido

Aprenda a seguir

Silenciar Enmudecer Acallar Omitir Respetar

Avançado

Discreción Censura Mutismo Sigilo Amordazar

Gramática essencial

Reflexive Pronouns

Me callo, te callas, se calla...

Imperative Mood

¡Cállate! (informal), ¡Cállese! (formal)

Subjunctive Mood for Commands

Te pido que te calles.

Preterite vs Imperfect

Se calló (suddenly) vs Callaba (was silent).

Transitive vs Intransitive

Callar a alguien vs Callarse uno mismo.

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Exemplos por nível

¡Cállate, por favor!

Shut up, please!

Imperative form (informal singular).

Yo me callo ahora.

I am being quiet now.

Present tense reflexive.

¿Te callas?

Will you be quiet?

Present tense question.

El gato se calló.

The cat became quiet.

Preterite tense reflexive.

Nosotros nos callamos en clase.

We are quiet in class.

Present tense reflexive (we).

Ella no se calla.

She doesn't shut up.

Negative present tense.

Papá dice: '¡Callaos!'.

Dad says: 'Be quiet!'.

Imperative plural (Spain).

Es bueno callar.

It is good to be silent.

Infinitive use.

De repente, todos se callaron.

Suddenly, everyone became silent.

Preterite plural.

Él calló el secreto por mucho tiempo.

He kept the secret for a long time.

Transitive use of callar.

Si te callas, te daré un dulce.

If you are quiet, I will give you a candy.

Conditional 'si' clause with present tense.

La música se calló a las diez.

The music stopped at ten.

Reflexive use for non-humans.

No pude callar mi opinión.

I couldn't keep my opinion to myself.

Infinitive after modal verb 'poder'.

Ella siempre callaba cuando él hablaba.

She always used to be silent when he spoke.

Imperfect tense for habitual action.

¡Cállense, estoy estudiando!

Be quiet, I am studying!

Imperative plural (Latin America).

Es mejor callar que mentir.

It is better to be silent than to lie.

Comparison with infinitives.

No quiero que te calles la verdad.

I don't want you to withhold the truth.

Present subjunctive after 'querer'.

Quien calla, otorga.

He who is silent, consents.

Proverbial use.

Me callé para no pelear con ella.

I stayed silent to avoid fighting with her.

Preterite with purpose clause.

Espero que los niños se callen pronto.

I hope the children get quiet soon.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar'.

El gobierno intentó callar a los periodistas.

The government tried to silence the journalists.

Transitive infinitive.

Si no te hubieras callado, habríamos ganado.

If you hadn't stayed silent, we would have won.

Pluperfect subjunctive in a conditional.

Se calló la boca para siempre.

He shut his mouth forever (kept the secret to the grave).

Idiomatic reflexive use.

A veces es difícil callar los sentimientos.

Sometimes it is difficult to suppress feelings.

Infinitive as subject.

Lograron callar los rumores con un comunicado.

They managed to silence the rumors with a statement.

Transitive use for abstract objects.

Se calló como un muerto durante el juicio.

He was as silent as a grave during the trial.

Simile with 'como'.

Dudo que se calle aunque se lo pidas.

I doubt he will be quiet even if you ask him.

Subjunctive after 'dudar'.

Callar a tiempo es una virtud.

Staying silent at the right time is a virtue.

Infinitive as a noun phrase.

La ciudad callaba bajo la nieve.

The city was silent under the snow.

Imperfect for poetic description.

No podemos callar ante tal injusticia.

We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice.

Modal 'poder' + infinitive.

Se calló lo más importante de la historia.

He left out the most important part of the story.

Reflexive used for omission.

¡Que se callen todos!

Everyone be quiet!

Indirect imperative with 'que'.

Su silencio callaba un dolor profundo.

His silence concealed a deep pain.

Transitive use with abstract subject.

El autor calla deliberadamente el final.

The author deliberately withholds the ending.

Transitive use in literary analysis.

Fue una forma de callar las conciencias.

It was a way to silence consciences.

Metaphorical transitive use.

Me callo por no herir tu susceptibilidad.

I stay silent so as not to hurt your feelings.

Reflexive with 'por' indicating cause.

La noche calla los ruidos de la ciudad.

The night silences the noises of the city.

Personification of 'la noche'.

Quiso callar su pasado, pero no pudo.

He wanted to keep his past quiet, but he couldn't.

Transitive infinitive.

Se callaba siempre lo que realmente pensaba.

He always kept to himself what he really thought.

Reflexive for habitual suppression.

Acallar las críticas fue su prioridad.

Silencing the criticisms was his priority.

Use of the synonym 'acallar'.

En el misticismo, callar es el camino al ser.

In mysticism, being silent is the path to being.

Philosophical use of the infinitive.

Callar no es siempre consentir.

Remaining silent is not always consenting.

Negation of a common proverb.

La historia ha callado las voces de los oprimidos.

History has silenced the voices of the oppressed.

Present perfect transitive.

Prefirió callar a riesgo de parecer culpable.

He preferred to stay silent at the risk of appearing guilty.

Infinitive with complex prepositional phrase.

El paisaje callaba una belleza indescifrable.

The landscape held an indecipherable beauty in its silence.

Poetic transitive usage.

Se callaron las campanas tras el funeral.

The bells fell silent after the funeral.

Reflexive for inanimate objects.

Es un hombre que calla más de lo que habla.

He is a man who keeps quiet more than he speaks.

Comparative structure with verbs.

La censura calló la obra del poeta.

Censorship silenced the poet's work.

Transitive use for institutional action.

Colocações comuns

Callar la boca

Callar un secreto

Hacer callar

Callar para siempre

Callar de repente

Callar prudentemente

No poder callar

Callar las críticas

Callar el llanto

Callar la verdad

Frases Comuns

¡Cállate!

— A sharp command to stop talking. Use with caution as it is rude.

¡Cállate! No quiero oír más mentiras.

Me callo.

— I am stopping myself from talking. Often used in arguments.

Está bien, me callo, no diré nada más.

Se calló.

— He/she/it became silent. Can describe a person or a noise.

De pronto, la radio se calló.

¡A callar!

— A collective command to be quiet, common in schools.

¡A callar todos, que empieza la clase!

Callar es de sabios.

— Remaining silent is a characteristic of wise people.

No respondas a sus insultos; callar es de sabios.

No se calla ni bajo el agua.

— Used to describe someone who talks incessantly.

Mi tía es increíble, no se calla ni bajo el agua.

Callar por miedo.

— To remain silent because of fear of consequences.

Muchos testigos callaron por miedo.

Es mejor callar.

— It is preferable not to speak in this situation.

En este momento, es mejor callar y escuchar.

Callarse la verdad.

— To withhold or hide the truth from someone.

Se calló la verdad para proteger a su hermano.

Hacerse callar.

— To force oneself to be quiet or to be silenced by someone.

Se hizo callar a sí mismo para no gritar.

Frequentemente confundido com

callar vs Calzar

To put on shoes. Pronounced differently but looks similar to beginners.

callar vs Calle

Street. A noun, often confused with the verb due to spelling.

callar vs Caer

To fall. The preterite 'cayó' sounds like 'calló'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Quien calla, otorga"

— Silence gives consent. If you don't object, you agree.

No dijiste nada cuando propuse el plan, y quien calla otorga.

Common Proverb

"Callar como un muerto"

— To be extremely silent or to keep a secret perfectly.

No te preocupes, callaré como un muerto sobre tu secreto.

Informal

"Callar bocas"

— To prove critics wrong through actions or success.

El delantero calló bocas marcando tres goles.

Colloquial

"De callada"

— To do something secretly or without making a fuss.

Se fue de la fiesta de callada, sin despedirse.

Informal

"Callarse la boca"

— An emphatic way to say 'shut up'.

¡Cállate la boca y escúchame!

Informal/Aggressive

"Por el interés, te quiero, Andrés; por el callar, te quiero más"

— A humorous way to say silence is valued in some relationships.

Es un amigo útil, pero cuando calla es mejor.

Humorous

"Callar y morderse la lengua"

— To force oneself not to speak despite a strong desire to.

Tuve que callarme y morderme la lengua ante su jefe.

Informal

"El que calla, de todo se halla"

— One who stays silent avoids trouble and finds peace.

No te metas en líos, recuerda que el que calla, de todo se halla.

Proverb

"Callar como una tumba"

— Another version of 'callar como un muerto', meaning total silence.

Le juré que callaría como una tumba.

Informal

"Hacer mutis por el foro"

— To stay silent and leave a situation quietly.

Cuando vio la pelea, hizo mutis por el foro.

Literary/Theatrical

Fácil de confundir

callar vs Calló vs. Cayó

They are homophones in many dialects (yeísmo).

Calló is from callar (silence), cayó is from caer (fall).

Se calló (stopped talking) vs. Se cayó (fell down).

callar vs Callar vs. Silenciar

They mean the same thing.

Callar is more common for voices; silenciar is for devices or official acts.

Calla al niño vs. Silencia el móvil.

callar vs Callar vs. Omitir

Both involve not saying something.

Callar is more general; omitir is specifically about leaving data out.

Calló su dolor vs. Omitió el segundo párrafo.

callar vs Callarse vs. Quedarse callado

Both mean to be silent.

Callarse is the action of stopping; quedarse callado is the resulting state.

Se calló (action) vs. Se quedó callado (state).

callar vs Acallar vs. Callar

Very similar spelling.

Acallar usually implies soothing or putting an end to a loud noise or rumor.

Acallar los llantos vs. Callar la boca.

Padrões de frases

¡Cállate!

¡Cállate ahora!

Se calló [adverbio]

Se calló de repente.

Quiero que se calle [sujeto]

Quiero que se calle el perro.

Callar [objeto directo]

Callar la verdad.

[Sujeto] callaba un/una [sentimiento]

Su mirada callaba una gran tristeza.

Callar ante [situación]

Callar ante la barbarie es complicidad.

Es mejor callar que [verbo]

Es mejor callar que mentir.

No poder callar [algo]

No pudo callar su alegría.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Callamiento (rarely used)

Silencio (related concept)

Callada (as in 'la callada por respuesta')

Verbos

Callar

Callarse

Acallar

Silenciar

Adjetivos

Callado

Callada

Calladito

Silencioso

Relacionado

Callada (noun)

Mudo

Silencio

Sigilo

Reserva

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Spanish.

Erros comuns

Using 'callar' instead of 'callarse' for oneself. → Me callo.
To say 'I am being quiet,' you need the reflexive form. 'Yo callo' is too formal or poetic for daily use.
Confusing 'calló' with 'cayó'. → Él se calló (He stopped talking).
These sound the same but have completely different meanings. 'Cayó' is from 'caer' (to fall).
Overusing '¡Cállate!' in formal settings. → Por favor, guarde silencio.
It is socially inappropriate to use the informal imperative with people you don't know well or in professional environments.
Misplacing the reflexive pronoun in the imperative. → ¡Cállate! / ¡Cállense!
The pronoun must be attached to the end of the affirmative command.
Thinking 'callar' only applies to people. → La alarma se calló.
The verb can be used for any source of noise, not just human speech.

Dicas

Master the Reflexive

Always remember the 'me, te, se' when you want to say you are being quiet. 'Me callo' sounds much more natural than 'Yo callo'.

Avoid Rudeness

If you need someone to be quiet, try '¿Podrías guardar silencio?' instead of '¡Cállate!' to avoid offending them.

Use Synonyms

In written essays, use 'silenciar' or 'omitir' to show a more advanced vocabulary level.

The Double LL

Practice the 'y' sound for 'll'. If you say 'cal-lar' with an 'L' sound, people might not understand you.

Proverb Power

Using 'quien calla otorga' in a conversation will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

Descriptive Past

Use the imperfect 'callaba' to set a scene in a story: 'Todo callaba en la noche' (Everything was silent in the night).

Identify the Subject

When you hear 'se calló,' look at the context to see if it's a person or an object that stopped making noise.

Respect the Silence

Remember that in many Hispanic cultures, silence can be a sign of respect. Don't always feel the need to fill it.

Transitive Use

Remember that you can 'callar a alguien' (silence someone). This is useful for describing dynamics in a group.

Quiet Call

Link 'callar' to a 'silent call' to remember it means to be quiet.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Call' that you want to 'Stop'. If someone 'Calls' you and you want them to stop, you tell them to 'Call-ar'.

Associação visual

Imagine a large red 'X' over a mouth or a remote control hitting the 'Mute' button.

Word Web

Silencio Boca Secreto Cállate Hablar Voz Ruido Escuchar

Desafio

Try to spend one hour today without speaking. Every time you want to say something, think to yourself: 'Me callo'.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'chalare,' which comes from the Greek 'khalan' (χαλᾶν).

Significado original: The original Greek meaning was 'to slacken,' 'to let down,' or 'to lower,' which evolved in Latin to mean 'to lower the voice' or 'to cease.'

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Spanish.

Contexto cultural

Be extremely careful using 'callar' in the imperative with strangers or superiors. It is considered a verbal aggression.

English speakers often find '¡Cállate!' more offensive than 'Shut up!', but in reality, they are very similar in intensity. Both should be avoided in polite company.

The phrase '¡¿Por qué no te callas?!' (King Juan Carlos I, 2007). The poem 'Farewell' by Pablo Neruda: 'Amo el amor de los marineros que besan y se van...'. Don Quixote's advice on discretion and silence.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Classroom

¡A callar!
Silencio, por favor.
Cállense y escuchen.
No se callan nunca.

Arguments

¡Cállate la boca!
No me voy a callar.
¡Que te calles!
Me callo para no gritar.

Secrets

Calla el secreto.
Me lo callé.
No lo calles.
Calló la verdad.

Nature

El viento se calló.
La noche calla.
Todo callaba.
El bosque calla.

Sports

Callar al estadio.
Callar bocas.
El público se calló.
Calló a sus críticos.

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que callar un secreto muy grande?"

"¿Crees que es mejor callar o decir siempre la verdad?"

"¿Qué haces cuando alguien no se calla en el cine?"

"¿En qué situaciones crees que es más importante callar?"

"¿Te resulta difícil callarte cuando tienes una opinión fuerte?"

Temas para diário

Describe un momento en el que decidiste callar en lugar de hablar. ¿Por qué lo hiciste?

Escribe sobre una situación en la que alguien te hizo callar injustamente.

¿Qué ruidos de tu ciudad te gustaría que se callaran para siempre?

Reflexiona sobre el proverbio 'Quien calla, otorga'. ¿Estás de acuerdo?

Imagina un mundo donde nadie pudiera callar. ¿Cómo sería la vida diaria?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, in almost all contexts, it is considered quite direct and potentially offensive. It is equivalent to 'Shut up!' in English. Use it only with close friends or in high-stress situations where politeness is not a priority.

'Callar' is generally transitive (to silence someone else) or intransitive (to be silent). 'Callarse' is reflexive and means to silence oneself. In practice, 'callarse' is much more common when talking about people stopping their own speech.

You can say 'callar un secreto.' For example: 'Él calló el secreto durante años.' This means he withheld the information.

Yes, it can be used for things that make noise, like a radio, a car, or the wind. 'La radio se calló' means the radio stopped making sound.

Instead of 'callar,' use 'Por favor, guarden silencio' or 'Se ruega silencio.' These are much more polite and appropriate for formal settings.

It is a regular verb: callé, callaste, calló, callamos, callasteis, callaron.

It is a popular proverb meaning 'he who is silent, consents.' It implies that if you don't speak up against something, you are agreeing to it.

Yes, it is universal across all Spanish-speaking countries, though the plural imperative differs ('callaos' in Spain vs 'cállense' in Latin America).

Not directly, but 'callar una falta' can mean to overlook or not speak about a mistake, which is similar to ignoring it.

This is likely a confusion with 'cayó' (from caer). 'Calló' means he/she silenced, while 'cayó' means he/she fell.

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