Whether you’re joking with a friend, scolding a noisy sibling, or watching a dramatic scene in a Spanish-language movie, you’ll likely hear someone say “Shut up!” But Spanish—just like English—has more than one way to tell someone to be quiet. Some are playful, some are serious, and others are downright rude. So, how do you say “shut up” in Spanish depending on tone, culture, and situation?
Here are 15 authentic ways to say “shut up” in Spanish, complete with real-world dialogues and background on when (and when not) to use them.
1. ¡Cállate! – “Shut up!”
Origin:
From the verb callar, meaning “to be quiet.” This is the direct, standard command form used widely in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡No me dejas pensar!
👤 User B: ¡Cállate, por favor!
Use: Neutral to harsh, depending on tone. Common in arguments.
2. Cállese – “Shut up” (formal)
Origin:
This is the formal version of ¡Cállate!, using usted instead of tú.
Example:
👤 User A: Disculpe, ¿puede bajar la voz?
👤 User B: ¡Cállese ya!
Use: Formal situations or addressing elders/strangers; often sounds extra aggressive due to its formality.
3. ¡Silencio! – “Silence!”
Origin:
Used in schools, churches, or public spaces. Common in announcements or commands.
Example:
👤 User A: (speaking during class)
👤 Teacher: ¡Silencio, por favor!
Use: Formal, authoritative; used in institutions or serious situations.
4. ¡Cállate la boca! – “Shut your mouth!”
Origin:
A stronger, more aggressive version of ¡Cállate!. Literally means “Shut your mouth.”
Example:
👤 User A: ¡Yo tengo razón!
👤 User B: ¡Cállate la boca y escucha!
Use: Rude and confrontational; use with caution.
5. ¡Basta! – “Enough
Origin:
Though not a direct translation, basta is used to cut off noise, complaints, or chaos.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡Es que tú siempre—!
👤 User B: ¡Basta! No más discusiones.
Use: Assertive; not limited to telling someone to shut up.
6. ¡Cierra el pico! – “Shut your beak!”
Origin:
Slangy and humorous. Pico = “beak”, often used playfully or sarcastically.
Example:
👤 User A: Bla bla bla…
👤 User B: ¡Cierra el pico, loro!
Use: Informal, joking or slightly rude.
7. ¡Cállate ya! – “Shut up already!”
Origin:
Adds ya (already) to increase the urgency or frustration behind the phrase.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Y sabes qué más?—
👤 User B: ¡Cállate ya, por favor!
Use: Annoyed tone, informal.
8. ¡Deja de hablar! – “Stop talking!”
Origin:
A softer command than “shut up,” more about asking someone to stop rather than silence them.
Example:
👤 User A: Bla bla bla…
👤 User B: ¡Deja de hablar y escucha!
Use: Semi-polite; often used by teachers or parents.
9. ¡No digas nada! – “Don’t say anything!”
Origin:
Used to silence someone before they speak. Emphasizes secrecy or urgency.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Quieres que te diga lo que pasó?
👤 User B: ¡No digas nada!
Use: Serious or secretive situations.
10. ¡Cállate un rato! – “Be quiet for a while!”
Origin:
Adds un rato (“a while”) to suggest temporary silence, not permanent.
Example:
👤 User A: Mamá, mamá, mamá…
👤 User B: ¡Cállate un rato, por favor!
Use: Casual, frustrated, often with kids.
11. ¡Chitón! – “Shh!” (Old-fashioned)
Origin:
An old Spanish interjection, like “Hush!” or “Shush!” in English.
Example:
👤 User A: ¿Y qué pasó después?
👤 User B: ¡Chitón! Ya viene.
Use: Rare and old-school; sometimes used for fun or in books/movies.
12. ¡Cállate, pesado! – “Shut up, you’re annoying!”
Origin:
Pesado means “annoying” or “a pain.” Often used among friends teasing each other.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡Te lo dije 100 veces!
👤 User B: ¡Cállate, pesado!
Use: Joking insult; informal.
13. ¡Shhh!
Origin:
Universal sound to quiet someone, used worldwide across languages.
Example:
👤 User A: (starts talking loudly in a movie)
👤 User B: ¡Shhh! Están viendo la película.
Use: Soft or public silencing gesture.
14. ¡Baja la voz! – “Lower your voice!”
Origin:
Less about complete silence, more about controlling tone or volume.
Example:
👤 User A: ¡ESTO ES INJUSTO!
👤 User B: ¡Baja la voz! Estamos en público.
Use: Polite but firm; useful in tense moments.
15. ¡Cállate la jeta! – “Shut your trap!” (Harsh slang)
Origin:
Jeta is slang for mouth, sometimes considered vulgar depending on the region.
Example:
👤 User A: No me importa tu opinión.
👤 User B: ¡Cállate la jeta!
Use: Very aggressive; heard in heated arguments or street slang (Mexico, Argentina).
Conclusion:
Spanish, like all languages, adapts tone and intensity depending on context. A polite “baja la voz” works in calm environments, while “¡cállate la jeta!” might ignite a fight. Use these expressions wisely—and if you’re ever unsure, go for the kinder ones!
Want to learn how to respond politely after someone tells you to be quiet? Or how to ask someone nicely to lower their voice in Spanish? Let me know!
