Fique quieto
polite
In Brazil you can say Fique quieto or the casual Fica quieto to ask someone to be quiet. Silêncio, por favor is polite, and Cala a boca is rude. It is also called Silêncio.
Meaning: request for silence (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Fique quieto | polite |
| Fica quieto | casual |
| Silêncio | neutral |
| Cala a boca | rude |
Use Fique quieta for a woman and Fique quietos for a group of men or a mixed group. In a library or class, a short Silêncio is enough.
Which one should you use?
Cala a boca means "shut up". It is common between family and friends but rude to strangers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Many Brazilians use the tu command forms such as Cala a boca and Fica quieto with você, which is typical in everyday speech.
Did you know?
- The sound psiu is a short Brazilian way to call for attention or ask for quiet.
Examples in context
- Fique quieto, por favor.Be quiet, please.
- Silêncio, o bebê está dormindo.Quiet, the baby is sleeping.
- Fica quieta, Maria!Be quiet, Maria!
Example conversation
Dona Lúcia asks her grandchildren, including Pedro, to calm down in a living room in Niterói.
- Dona LúciaSilêncio, o vovô está dormindo.Quiet, grandpa is sleeping.
- PedroDesculpa, vó.Sorry, grandma.
- Dona LúciaFiquem quietos, por favor.Be quiet, please.
