How to Say “Be Quiet” in Ojibwe

By Karl Ryan • Updated October 2, 2026

bizaan

The Ojibwe phrase for "be quiet" is bizaan.

This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to stop talking or to stop making noise.

Did you know?

In Ojibwe culture, silence is often viewed as a sign of respect and active listening rather than an awkward gap in conversation.
Because Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, a single word can sometimes function as an entire sentence, incorporating the subject and the action into one unit.
In Ojibwe, the root of bizaan can imply a lack of motion, meaning you might use it to tell a restless child to 'sit still' rather than just to stop speaking.

Example conversation

Makwa and Winona are in a library.

Makwa

Bizaan, Winona.
Be quiet, Winona.
Winona

Aaniin, miigwech.
Oh, thank you.
Makwa

Gidinooji'igan bizaan.
Your phone should be quiet.
Winona

Ei, gaaweko.
Yes, right now.

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About The Author

Karl Ryan

Boozhoo! I'm Karl, an Ojibwe language enthusiast and self-proclaimed foodie, especially a lover of apple pie (ominjakendaagoziibingwebishigan). I spend my free time bicycling, hunting, or boxing—building physical "strength" or ogichi-taadine in Ojibwe. I also adore my little bear (makoons), my quirky pet cat. They say I'm like a "hunter" (ogichi-taadine) for words, collecting, understanding and sharing everything about the beautiful Ojibwe language and culture. Miigwech (Thank you) for joining me on this journey! Let's be explorers of languages together!

Karl RyanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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