Spanish Phrase
Trata de mantener la calma.
Meaning
Literally, 'Try to keep the calm.' It is a gentle encouragement to stay composed when a situation feels tense or stressful. The phrase implies effort rather than a command, making it polite and supportive.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise someone to stay calm during an argument, a stressful work task, a medical emergency, or any moment that could cause anxiety. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tratademantenerlacalma
Trata de + infinitivo
The construction 'trata de' (imperative of 'tratar') followed by 'de' and an infinitive means 'try to' or 'make an effort to' do something.
Mantener (infinitive)
The verb 'mantener' means 'to keep' or 'to maintain'. In the infinitive it follows 'de' to indicate the action you should try to perform.
La calma (noun phrase)
‘Calma’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘calmness’ or ‘composure’. It is preceded by the definite article 'la'.
🗨In Conversation
Trata de mantener la calma.
Try to keep calm.
Lo intentaré, gracias.
I'll try, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Trata de mantener el calma.
‘Calma’ is feminine; the correct article is ‘la’.
Trata de mantener la calmo.
‘Calmo’ is an adjective meaning ‘calm (person)’, not the noun ‘calma’. Use the noun form.
Tratar de mantener la calma.
The verb should be in the imperative form ‘trata’ (or ‘intenta’) when giving advice.
↔Alternatives
Intenta mantener la calma.
Try to keep calm.
Mantén la calma.
Keep calm.
No pierdas la calma.
Don't lose your calm.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures, showing composure is a sign of maturity. Using 'trata de' softens the advice, making it sound caring rather than bossy. In some regions, people might also say 'Calma, por favor' or simply 'Tranquilo/a' in informal settings.