Spanish Conversation · Level 58
74 words
Spanish word
calmar
Pronunciation
IPA/kalˈmaɾ/
Meaning
- verbcalm
Example
Trata de calmar al bebé.
Try to calm the baby.
More examples
El moderador intentó calmar los ánimos durante el debate.
The moderator tried to calm tempers during the debate.
Core concept
A person gently soothing a crying baby.
Common phrases
calmar los ánimos
calm tempers
calmar a la gente
calm people
calmar una discusión
defuse an argument
Similar words
consolar: Comforts deep sorrow to ease emotional pain and quiet suffering.
relajar: Relaxes tightened muscles or a tense mind to produce physical ease.
tranquilizar: Reassures to reduce anxiety or excitement and steady the emotions.
serenar: Calms feelings or a room to bring about a gentle, peaceful mood.
Definition in Spanish
Disminuir el malestar, la tensión o el ruido emocional en una persona, animal o situación; usar calmarse para indicar que la persona se tranquiliza por sí misma.
Word origin
From Late Latin calma plus the verb-forming suffix -ar, originally meaning to make calm.
Usage tips
- Used to ease immediate distress (calmar a alguien) and use calmarse when the person calms down on their own, while tranquilizar often implies longer-term reassurance.