ћути
ćuti
The English phrase "be quiet" can be translated into Serbian as ћути (ćuti).
The phrase is used to request that someone stops speaking or makes no noise. You can use the verb ћути to mean "be quiet", or use the noun тишина (silence) as an exclamation to demand silence in a more formal or dramatic way.
Which one should you use?
While the verb ћути describes the action of being quiet, the noun Тишина! is used as an exclamation to demand silence. Additionally, using the verb ћути! as a single-word command is often perceived as a blunt command to "shut up" rather than a polite request.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ћутите is used when addressing more than one person or when addressing a single person formally.
How do you pronounce it?
ćuti
Did you know?
- The concept of 'being quiet' in Serbian can also be expressed through the word мир, which means 'peace' but is used in commands to mean 'be still' or 'be quiet'.
- In Serbian culture, a prolonged silence during a conversation is not always awkward and can be a sign of respect or deep thought, making the command ћути feel even more jarring.
- If you want to tell someone to 'shut up' in a very aggressive way, you might hear заћути, which adds a prefix to ћути to indicate a sudden stop in speaking.
Example conversation
Jelena and Marko are in a library.
- JelenaMarko, molim te, moraš ћути ovde.Marko, please, you have to be quiet here.
- MarkoIzvini, nisam primetio znak.Sorry, I didn't notice the sign.
- JelenaLjudi pokušavaju da uče.People are trying to study.
- MarkoU redu,ću ћути.Alright, I will be quiet.
