Spanish Phrase
Quédate quieto un momento.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to tell someone to remain motionless or calm for a short period. It's often used when you need someone to stop moving, either for a practical reason (like taking a photo) or to calm down. It implies a temporary state of stillness.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a child to stop fidgeting, when someone is moving too much for a task (e.g., getting a haircut), or when you want someone to pause and listen. It's a direct but generally mild command.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quédatequietounmomento
Quédate (Quedarse)
'Quédate' is the informal (tú) imperative form of the reflexive verb 'quedarse,' meaning 'to stay' or 'to remain.' The reflexive pronoun 'te' is attached to the end for affirmative commands.
Quieto/a
'Quieto' is an adjective meaning 'still' or 'calm.' It must agree in gender and number with the person being addressed (e.g., 'quieta' for a feminine person, 'quietos' for masculine plural).
Un momento
'Un momento' literally means 'a moment' and is a common way to express 'for a moment' or 'for a little while' in Spanish. It indicates a short, indefinite period of time.
🗨In Conversation
¡Mamá, mira mi dibujo!
Mom, look at my drawing!
Quédate quieto un momento, cariño, necesito atarte los cordones.
Stay still for a moment, honey, I need to tie your shoelaces.
✕Common Mistakes
Estar quieto un momento.
While 'estar' means 'to be,' 'quedarse' (from which 'Quédate' comes) specifically means 'to stay' or 'to remain' in a place or state. 'Quédate' is the imperative form of the reflexive verb 'quedarse'.
Quédate callado un momento.
'Callado' means 'silent.' If the intention is to ask someone to be physically still, 'quieto' is the correct adjective. While sometimes related, they refer to different states.
↔Alternatives
No te muevas.
Don't move.
Espera un segundo.
Wait a second.
Mantente inmóvil.
Keep still/motionless.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, direct commands like 'Quédate quieto' are common, especially with children, but can be softened with a 'por favor' (please) for adults or in more formal contexts. The tone of voice is crucial to convey whether it's a gentle request or a firm instruction. It's generally considered a neutral command.