bí ciúin
/bʲiː cuːnʲ/word by word
bí ciúin is the Irish way to say 'be quiet'.
This phrase is used as a request or a command for someone to stop making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb bí (be) and the adjective ciúin (quiet).
How does it change in a sentence?
bí ciúin is the imperative form used when addressing one person informally. bígí ciúin is the imperative used when addressing more than one person or when using a formal tone.
How do you pronounce it?
/bʲiː cuːnʲ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Instead of a standard request, you might hear the informal expression Dún do bhéal, which translates to 'close your mouth'.
Did you know?
- Depending on the grammatical context, the word for 'be' in Irish changes entirely, sometimes using roots that originally meant 'to see'.
- If you use the plural or formal form bígí ciúin, you are not just addressing a group, but also showing respect to a single person you do not know well.
- In Irish, the word ciúin can describe not just a lack of noise but also a person who is mild-mannered or gentle in character.
Examples in context
- Bí ciúin.Be quiet.This example shows the use of bí ciúin as a direct command.Tatoeba #7801551 by eo_as, translation #1275396 by jakov
Example conversation
Cian and Saoirse are in a library.
- CianTá an áit seo an-chiúin.This place is very quiet.
- SaoirseTá mé ag caint ró-ghair!I am talking too loudly!
- CianBí ciúin, a Saoirse.Be quiet, Saoirse.
- SaoirseTá mé beo, táimní.I am sorry.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bí, ciúin) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bí, ciúin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
