aamus
The phrase "be quiet" in Somali is translated as aamus.
A command used to tell someone to stop talking or to make less noise.
Which one should you use?
The base form aamus is a common, direct way to tell someone to be quiet in a casual setting, while aamusow is used when addressing a single person informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form aamusow is used when addressing a single person informally.
Did you know?
- While aamus is a command, Somali speakers may use the phrase iska aamus to tell someone to keep a secret or 'stay quiet' about a specific matter.
- In Somali culture, telling a child aamus can sometimes be accompanied by a finger placed vertically over the lips, but doing this to an elder is considered highly disrespectful.
- The word aamus shares a root with words related to stillness or being calm, implying a state of peace rather than just the absence of sound.
Examples in context
- Aamus, fadlan.Be quiet, please.
- Aamus hadda, walaal.Be quiet now, brother.
- Aamus si aan u maqalno.Be quiet so we can hear.
Example conversation
Yasmin and Farah are in a library.
- YasminFarah, aamus fadlan.Farah, be quiet please.
- FarahWaan ka xumahay, Yasmin.I am sorry, Yasmin.
- YasminDadka kale waxay u baahan yihiin xasillooni.Other people need silence.
- FarahHaa, waan aamusaa.Yes, I will be quiet.
