csendben lenni
The English phrase 'be quiet' is translated into Hungarian as csendben lenni.
The phrase is used to describe the state of making little or no noise. You can also use a shortened version, Csendben!, which functions as a command for silence in many contexts. For a more forceful or dramatic command, such as when an authority figure is demanding quiet, you might use Csend legyen!, which means 'Let there be silence!'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase csendben lenni is composed of csend (silence), the inessive case suffix -ben (in) and lenni (to be), translating literally to 'to be in silence'.
Which one should you use?
While csendben lenni is the base form, there are several ways to express the command. Legyen csend! is a formal way to express the idea, whereas Maradj csendben! (Stay quiet) and Legyél csendben, légyszi! (Be quiet, please) are informal. For a very blunt and informal way to say be quiet, you can use Fogd be a szádat!, which means 'Shut your mouth!'
Did you know?
- The phrase csendben lenni uses the inessive case suffix -ben, reflecting a Hungarian linguistic tendency to view silence as a physical space or container that one enters.
- If you want to tell someone to stop talking specifically because they are being too loud, you might say Csitess!, which is a single word verb meaning 'hush'.
- The word csend is closely related to the word csendes, which can describe not only a quiet room but also a 'quiet' and modest personality.
Examples in context
- Légy csendben, kérlekBe quiet, please
- Legyen csend!Keep silence
Example conversation
Zsófia and Tamás are entering a movie theater.
- ZsófiaTamás, kérlek, legyél már csendben lenni!Tamás, please be quiet already!
- TamásRendben, csak egy kérdésem volt.Alright, I just had one question.
- ZsófiaKezdődik a film, úgyhogy kell csendben lenni.The movie is starting, so we need to be quiet.
- TamásÉrtem, most már nem mondok több szót.I understand, I won't say another word now.
