11+ Ways How Do You Say Shut Up in Spanish | Learn the Right Way to Use It

Have you ever been chatting with your Spanish-speaking friends and wondered, “Wait… how do you say shut up in Spanish?” 😅 

Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Learning how to express annoyance or tell someone to be quiet (politely or playfully) is part of mastering any language. 

Whether you’re joking with a friend or asking for silence in a serious moment, Spanish has more than one way to say it. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the meanings, tones, and even cultural insights behind these phrases — so you’ll sound natural (and respectful!) every time you use them.

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Different Ways to Say “Shut Up” in Spanish

Just like in English, there are polite, casual, and even funny ways to tell someone to be quiet in Spanish. Let’s explore them one by one 👇

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1. ¡Cállate! | The Classic “Shut Up”

Pronunciation: KAH-yah-teh
Meaning: “Be quiet” or “Shut up.”

This is the most common phrase. You’ll hear it in movies, conversations, and even friendly banter between siblings.

Example:
➡️ ¡Cállate, por favor! — “Shut up, please!”

⚠️ Note: Cállate can sound rude depending on tone. Say it softly or add por favor to make it polite.

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2. Silencio | “Silence” (Formal & Polite)

Pronunciation: See-LEN-syo
If you’re in a classroom, church, or meeting, this is the right word to use. It’s formal and polite — perfect when you need quiet without sounding bossy.

Example:
➡️ Silencio, por favor. Estamos en clase.
(“Silence, please. We’re in class.”)

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3. Cállense / Cállate ya | When Talking to a Group or Urging Quickly

Pronunciation: KAH-yen-seh / KAH-yah-teh yah

• Cállense = “Be quiet” (to more than one person)
  
• Cállate ya = “Be quiet already!”
  

These are stronger phrases — often used when someone’s making too much noise.

Example:
➡️ ¡Cállense, chicos! — “Quiet down, kids!”

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4. Guarda silencio | A Gentle “Keep Silent”

Pronunciation: GWAR-dah see-LEN-syo
This sounds softer and more respectful. It’s great when you’re asking for calm or peace in a sensitive situation.

Example:
➡️ Por favor, guarda silencio durante la ceremonia.
(“Please remain silent during the ceremony.”)

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5. Cierra la boca | Literally “Close your mouth” 😄

Pronunciation: SYE-rah lah BO-kah
This is more playful or scolding, depending on context. Use it with close friends or when joking around — but avoid it with strangers or elders!

Example:
➡️ ¡Cierra la boca, tonto! — “Shut your mouth, silly!”

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Cultural Notes 🇪🇸

In Spanish-speaking cultures, tone matters a lot. What sounds normal among friends can feel rude in formal settings. For instance, in Spain or Mexico, “¡Cállate!” between friends can mean “Stop teasing me!” — but if said harshly, it could sound offensive.

So remember: how you say it is just as important as what you say. 😊

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Common Follow Up Phrases

After telling someone to be quiet, conversations usually continue with other phrases. Here are a few helpful ones:

English Phrase	Spanish Translation	Pronunciation
Be quiet, please	Cállate, por favor	KAH-yah-teh por fah-VOHR
Calm down	Cálmate	KAHL-ma-teh
Listen to me	Escúchame	Es-KOO-cha-meh
Let’s talk later	Hablamos luego	Ah-BLAH-mos LWE-go
Goodbye	Adiós	Ah-dee-OHS

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Quick Vocabulary Recap 🗣️

Word	Meaning	Usage
Cállate	Shut up / Be quiet	Informal
Silencio	Silence	Formal
Cállense	Be quiet (group)	Informal plural
Guarda silencio	Keep silent	Polite/formal
Cierra la boca	Shut your mouth	Playful or scolding

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When Not to Say “Shut Up” 😬

In Spanish-speaking cultures, politeness is key. Avoid “cállate” in professional or unfamiliar situations. Instead, say “Por favor, guarda silencio” — it’s calm, clear, and respectful.

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Conclusion 🌟

Now you know exactly how to say shut up in Spanish — and when (or when not) to use it! Whether you’re teasing a friend or politely asking for silence, you can choose the right phrase every time. Practice these in daily conversations, and soon you’ll sound more natural and confident in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!) 💬