خاموش رہو
khamosh raho
The English phrase "be quiet" is translated into Urdu as خاموش رہو (khamosh raho).
This phrase is used as a command to instruct someone to stop talking or to stop making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase خاموش رہو is composed of the adjective khamosh (quiet) and the verb raho (stay/remain).
Which one should you use?
While khamosh raho is a descriptive way to ask for silence, چپ رہو (chup raho) is a more direct and often sharper way to say "be quiet".
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase politeness or address an elder, you can change the verb to the form خاموش رہیں. For a highly informal or blunt command, use خاموش رہ.
How do you pronounce it?
khamosh raho
Did you know?
- A common poetic device in Urdu literature involves using khamoshi (silence) as a metaphor for deep longing or unspoken grief.
- The word khamosh shares a linguistic lineage with the Persian word for 'silent', which has influenced much of the high-register vocabulary in Urdu.
- In many South Asian settings, a single finger placed over the lips is often used as a complete replacement for the spoken phrase khamosh raho.
Examples in context
- خاموش رہو، میں کام کر رہی ہوں۔khamosh raho, mein kaam kar rahi hoon.Be quiet, I am working.
- براہ کرم کلاس میں خاموش رہو۔barah-e-karam class mein khamosh raho.Please be quiet in the class.
- بچہ سو رہا ہے، خاموش رہو۔bacha so raha hai, khamosh raho.The baby is sleeping, be quiet.
Example conversation
Ali is making too much noise while Aisha is trying to read.
- عائشہ Ayeshaعلی، خاموش رہو۔Ali, khamosh raho.Ali, be quiet.
- علی Aliمعذرت، میں شور نہیں کر رہا تھا۔ma'zirat, mein shor nahi kar raha tha.Sorry, I wasn't making noise.
- عائشہ Ayeshaتمہاری آواز بہت اونچی ہے۔tumhari awaaz bohat oonchi hai.Your voice is very loud.
- علی Aliٹھیک ہے، میں اب خاموش رہوں گا۔theek hai, mein ab khamosh rahoon ga.Okay, I will be quiet now.
