How to Say ‘Shut up’ in Portuguese
Cala-te
KAH-luh-tuh
[KAH-luh-tuh]
💬 Usage Tip: This is a verb plus [te], meaning "you": [cala-te] = "be quiet yourself / shut up." You'll see the same pattern in commands like [senta-te] and [levanta-te].
🇵🇹 In Portugal: Very direct and rude in most situations. With children it may be harsh but possible; between adults it usually sounds openly hostile.
Phrase Breakdown
Cala-te
[KAH-luh-tuh]
shut up
A direct command telling someone to be quiet. Can range from blunt to rude depending on tone and context.
Cala-te um bocadinho para eu conseguir ouvir.
Shut up for a moment so I can hear.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Rio de Janeiro tested my Portuguese every single day. The real-world scenarios in this app meant I could actually keep up with locals at the beach bars.”
Chris B., 33, Digital Nomad
“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”
Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker