اسكت
uskut
To say "be quiet" in Arabic, use اسكت (uskut).
The phrase is a command used to tell someone to stop talking. In its common form, اسكت is a direct and often blunt command that can be perceived as rude depending on the tone and context in which it is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While اسكت is common, there are more polite or formal ways to request silence. You can use أرجوك أن تسكت to be formal, or the even more formal الزم الصمت to command silence. اسكت itself is considered informal and blunt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Gulf countries, the phrase خليك هادي can be used to say "be quiet".
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes depending on whom you are addressing: use اسكتي when addressing a female and اسكتوا when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
uskut
Did you know?
- In some contexts, saying اسكت can be used as an expression of disbelief or shock, similar to saying 'no way' or 'stop it' in English.
- While اسكت is the standard command, many people use the word هس (hiss) in Levantine dialects, which sounds almost identical to the English 'shush' used in many Western cultures.
- In many Arabic dialects, if you want to tell a child to be quiet without being too harsh, you might use the word بس (bas), which literally means 'enough' or 'only'.
Examples in context
- اسكت يا زيري.Be quiet, Ziri.This sentence shows how to use اسكت in a direct command.Tatoeba #10237339 by Amastan, translation #10213996 by Amastan
- اسكت، أنا أحاول الدراسة.uskut, ana uhawil al-dirasa.Be quiet, I am trying to study.
- اسكت، هناك طفل نائم.uskut, hunaka tifl na'im.Be quiet, there is a sleeping baby.
Example conversation
In a library where Omar is talking too loudly.
- مريم Maryamعمر، اسكت من فضلك.Omar, uskut min fadlak.Omar, be quiet please.
- عمر Omarآسف يا مريم، سأسكت.Asif ya Maryam, sa-uskut.Sorry Maryam, I will be quiet.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك.Shukran lak.Thank you.
- عمر Omarلا مشكلة.La mushkila.No problem.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
