pssst
The German way to say "hush" is pssst.
pssst is used as an onomatopoeic interjection to signal someone to be quiet, similar to the English "shhh".
Meaning: to make quiet (verb)
Related words
Did you know?
- While pssst asks for silence, the German word Ruhe refers to both 'quiet' and 'eternal peace', making it the same word used for the silence of a cemetery.
- To tell someone to shut up in a very harsh way, Germans use Halt den Mund, which literally translates to 'hold the mouth'. This is significantly more aggressive than the soft sound of pssst.
- Using pssst in a professional setting or toward a stranger is considered much more blunt and rude than the English 'shh' might be.
Examples in context
- Pssst, das Baby schläft gerade.Hush, the baby is sleeping right now.
- Pssst, wir sind in der Bibliothek!Hush, we are in the library!
Example conversation
In a quiet movie theater.
- JulianPssst, es ist zu laut hier.Hush, it is too loud in here.
- SarahEntschuldigung, Julian. Ich werde leiser sein.Sorry, Julian. I will be quieter.
- JulianDanke, Sarah. Der Film beginnt gleich.Thanks, Sarah. The movie is starting soon.
- SarahAlles klar, ich bin jetzt ganz still.Alright, I will be very quiet now.
