buď zticha
The phrase 'be quiet' in Czech is buď zticha.
The phrase is used as a command to tell someone to stop talking or making noise.
Which one should you use?
The standard buď zticha is used for a direct request to be quiet, whereas the single word Mlč! is much more abrupt and can be perceived as 'Shut up!' or 'Be silent!'
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to use a formal/polite tone, use the plural imperative form buďte zticha.
Did you know?
- The word buď is derived from the future tense of the Proto-Slavic root for 'to be', meaning the command literally asks someone to 'become' quiet.
- In casual settings, Czechs often use the phrase tichutko to tell children to be very quiet in a gentle or playful way.
- In Czech, the word for 'silence' ticho can also be used as an exclamation to demand immediate quiet from a crowd, similar to 'Silence!' in English.
Examples in context
- Překládej a buď zticha!Translate and be quiet!This sentence shows how to use buď zticha alongside another command.Tatoeba #4427308 by lovermann, translation #8970206 by Ergulis
- Buď zticha a poslouchej!Be quiet and listen!This sentence shows how to use buď zticha to combine silence with listening.Tatoeba #3545708 by nueby, translation #507707 by FeuDRenais
- Řekl jsem, buď zticha!I said be quiet!This sentence shows how to use buď zticha when repeating a command.Tatoeba #2780463 by Lamanai, translation #2405807 by CK
Example conversation
Jan and Lucie are in a library.
- JanLucie, prosím, buď zticha.Lucie, please be quiet.
- LuciePromluvila jsem jen jednou.I only spoke once.
- JanLidé tady studují, tak buď zticha.People are studying here, so be quiet.
- LucieDobře, už nic neřeknu.Fine, I won't say anything else.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buď, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
