callar
Lemma Details
Translation: to be silent; to keep quiet; to hush; to silence; to conceal; to withhold information
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Callar comes from Latin 'callare', which is derived from the Greek 'kallein' (to call). The semantic evolution is interesting: from 'calling' to 'stopping calling' or 'becoming silent'. This reflects how language often develops meanings that are opposite to or modifications of the original sense. The English word 'call' shares the same Indo-European root, though with a different semantic development.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Por favor, cállate durante la película.
Please be quiet during the movie.
Decidió callar la verdad para no herir sus sentimientos.
He decided to withhold the truth to avoid hurting their feelings.
A veces es mejor callar que decir algo inapropiado.
Sometimes it's better to remain silent than to say something inappropriate.
El testigo calló detalles importantes durante el juicio.
The witness concealed important details during the trial.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'callar' as related to 'call' but with the opposite meaning - instead of calling out, you're stopping all calls or sounds.
- Associate with 'calla lilies' which are elegant, quiet flowers - they don't make noise, they 'callan' (are silent).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent (callar) is highly valued. The concept of 'callar' is often associated with discretion and wisdom. There's a common saying 'En boca cerrada no entran moscas' (Flies don't enter a closed mouth) which emphasizes the virtue of keeping quiet when necessary.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'callar' means 'to be silent' or 'to keep quiet', 'caer' means 'to fall'. They look somewhat similar in their infinitive forms but have completely different meanings and conjugations.
Notes: The conjugations are quite different: 'yo callo' (I am silent) vs. 'yo caigo' (I fall).
Mnemonic: Remember: 'callar' has double 'l' like in 'still' or 'lull' - both associated with quietness.
Explanation: 'Callar' means 'to be silent' while 'llamar' means 'to call' or 'to name' - almost opposite meanings despite similar spelling.
Notes: Interestingly, these words have an etymological connection despite their opposite meanings.
Mnemonic: Notice that 'llamar' starts with 'll' (making noise by calling) while 'callar' ends with 'll' (stopping noise by being silent).