tumahimik ka
/tumaˈhimik ka/word by word
The Tagalog phrase for "be quiet" is tumahimik ka.
tumahimik ka is a command telling someone to stop talking or making noise. In the middle of a heated argument, it is often used with the same aggressive force as the English phrase "shut up".
What does it mean word for word?
The verb tumahimik means "to become quiet". It is the verb form of tahimik (quiet), and the prefix tum- indicates a change of state.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tumahimik ka is an informal or blunt command and can sound rude depending on your tone. For a polite way to ask someone to be quiet, use tumahimik po kayo, which employs the honorific po and the respectful pronoun kayo. You may also encounter the colloquial phrase Hush ka muna, please? to mean "Be quiet for a moment."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tumahimik ka uses the pronoun ka (you) to turn the verb into a direct command.
How do you pronounce it?
/tumaˈhimik ka/
Did you know?
- The word ka used in these commands was historically represented by the character ᜃ in the ancient Baybayin script.
- While tumahimik ka is a command, the root word tahimik also describes a place that is peaceful or serene, not just a person who is not speaking.
- Although tumahimik ka is used to stop noise, Tagalog speakers often use non-verbal cues like a finger to the lips or a sharp 'Ssh' sound before saying the phrase to signal the intent.
Examples in context
- Tumahimik ka.You be quiet.This sentence demonstrates the use of tumahimik ka.Tatoeba #11574827 by qwertzu, translation #237721 by sundown
- Tumahimik ka muna, nag-aaral ako.Be quiet for a moment, I am studying.
- Tumahimik ka, nakakahiya sa ibang tao.Be quiet, it is embarrassing to other people.
Example conversation
Maria is trying to sleep but Mark is being too noisy.
- MariaMark, tumahimik ka, gabi na.Mark, be quiet, it is already night.
- MarkPasensya na, Maria. Hindi ko sinasadya.I'm sorry, Maria. I didn't mean to.
- MariaSige, dahan-dahan lang.Alright, just be gentle/quiet.
- MarkOo, tatahimik na ako.Yes, I will be quiet now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (tumahimik, ka) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka, tumahimik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
