var tyst
/vɑːr ˈtʏsːt/word by word
The Swedish phrase for "be quiet" is var tyst.
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 imperative form of vara (to be) and the adjective tyst (quiet).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Var tyst is an informal way to say "be quiet". If you want to be more forceful or even rude, you might use Håll tyst, which means "keep quiet" or "shut up". To express the idea of "don't say anything" informally, you can use Säg inget.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, you should use the plural form var tysta.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɑːr ˈtʏsːt/
Did you know?
- The Swedish word tyst shares an ancient root with the Russian word тихий ('tíxij') and the Sanskrit word तूष्णीम् ('tūṣṇī́m'), both meaning 'quiet' or 'silent'.
- The Swedish word tyst can be used in the expression tyst som i graven, which means 'quiet as in the grave'.
- The word var in the phrase is an imperative form, but it is also the past tense of 'to be', meaning 'was'.
Examples in context
- Var tysta båda två.Both of you be quiet.This example shows how to address two people using the form var tyst.Tatoeba #4445583 by richke, translation #2647217 by CK
- Sitt bara där och var tyst.Just sit there and be quiet.This sentence demonstrates using var tyst as part of a longer instruction.Tatoeba #11068759 by SilasNordgren, translation #9669218 by CK
- Var tyst.You be quiet.This is a direct use of var tyst.Tatoeba #2379459 by Tximist, translation #237721 by sundown
- Ni behöver vara tysta under provetYou need to be quiet during the test
- Kan ni vara tysta, snälla? Andra människor försöker läsaCan you be quiet, please? Other people are trying to read
- Kan jag be om tystnad så att vi kan börja mötet?May I ask for silence so that we can start the meeting?
Example conversation
Karl and Emma are in a library.
- KarlVar tyst, Emma, vi är på biblioteket.Be quiet, Emma, we are in the library.
- EmmaFörlåt, jag glömde bort det.Sorry, I forgot.
- KarlSnälla, kan du bara var tyst nu?Please, can you just be quiet now?
- EmmaOkej, jag ska vara tyst.Okay, I will be quiet.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (var, tyst) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tyst, var, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
