vær stille
The English phrase "be quiet" is translated into Norwegian as vær stille.
Vær stille is a request or command for someone to stop making noise. It can also be used to ask someone to be calm or motionless.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb vær (the imperative form of å være, to be) and the adjective stille (quiet/still).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use Vær så snill og vær stille to say "please be quiet" in a polite manner. In contrast, Hold kjeft translates to "shut up" or "keep your mouth shut" and is a much more aggressive, rude and informal way to tell someone to be quiet. You might also use Slutt å prate to specifically mean "stop talking".
How does it change in a sentence?
Vær is the imperative form of the verb å være, which is used when giving a direct command.
Did you know?
- The word vær is a homonym with several meanings, including 'weather' and 'male sheep'.
- The command Hold kjeft literally translates to 'hold your jaw', referring to the lower jaw of the mouth.
- The word stille can be used as a verb to mean 'to calm' or 'to settle' something, not just as an adjective.
Examples in context
- Vær stille, eller så kommer babyen til å våkne.Be quiet, or the baby will wake up.The sentence is useful for showing the consequence of not being quiet when using vær stille.Tatoeba #14048306 by Mayk, translation #272056 by CM
- Vær stille!Be quiet!The sentence is useful for a direct command using vær stille.Tatoeba #5339210 by pergpau, translation #430128 by sysko
- Vær stille mens vi spiser.Be quiet while we're eating.The sentence is useful for specifying when to be quiet using vær stille.Tatoeba #394384 by contour, translation #755333 by sctld
- Hold kjeft, vi prøver å ha en samtale her.Be quiet, we're trying to have a conversation here.
Example conversation
Ingrid and Kristoffer are in a library.
- IngridVær stille, Kristoffer.Be quiet, Kristoffer.
- KristofferBeklager, jeg skal være stille.Sorry, I will be quiet.
- IngridTakk, vi må studere her.Thanks, we need to study here.
- KristofferDet skal jeg huske på.I will remember that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries stille, vær, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
