im lặng
[ʔim˧˧ laŋ˧˨ʔ]
The phrase 'be quiet' in Vietnamese is im lặng.
im lặng is used as a request or command for someone to stop making noise. Depending on the context of a sentence, it can function as both a verb (to be quiet) and as a noun (silence). You can also use Đừng làm ồn to specifically say 'don't make noise'.
Which one should you use?
While im lặng means to be quiet, it is often used in more formal or descriptive contexts compared to the blunt command Trật!
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase giữ im lặng is used to express the act of maintaining silence or keeping quiet over a period of time.
Did you know?
- If you want to ask for silence in a public space like a cinema, instead of im lặng, you might see signs using Vui lòng giữ trật tự, which literally asks for 'order'.
- Vietnamese has different levels of 'quiet' depending on the social hierarchy, where the phrase used to command silence depends entirely on the age and status of the speaker relative to the listener.
- The word lặng shares a conceptual connection with the idea of stillness or being motionless, which is why it describes both silence and a lack of wind or waves.
Examples in context
- Người mẹ bảo lũ trẻ hãy im lặng.The mother told the children to be quiet.This sentence shows how a mother might instruct children to use im lặng.Tatoeba #5159502 by truongap, translation #320921 by CK
- Tom yêu cầu chúng tôi giữ im lặng.Tom told us to be quiet.This sentence illustrates someone making a request for others to use im lặng.Tatoeba #4604908 by khoaharp, translation #2545733 by CK
- Làm ơn hãy im lặng một chút.Please be quiet for a moment.
Example conversation
Mai and Tuấn are studying together in a quiet room.
- MaiTuấn, im lặng một chút đi.Tuấn, please be quiet for a moment.
- TuấnXin lỗi, mình quên mất.Sorry, I forgot.
- MaiMình cần tập trung đọc sách.I need to focus on reading my book.
- TuấnĐược rồi, mình sẽ im lặng.Alright, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry im lặng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
