静かにして
shizuka ni shite
The Japanese phrase for "hush it" is 静かにして (shizuka ni shite).
The phrase is a command used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective shizuka (quiet) and the te-form of the verb suru (to do), literally meaning "do quietly".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 静かにして is informal and is typically used between people of equal social standing or by a superior to a subordinate. For a polite request suitable for strangers or formal settings, you can use 静かにしてください. The even more formal phrase お静かに can be used to say "please be quiet" in formal situations. For a very blunt and informal way to say "Shut up!", you might hear 黙れ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the te-form of the verb to function as a soft command or a request.
How do you pronounce it?
shizuka ni shite
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 静か (shizuka) does not just mean a lack of noise, but is used to describe a peaceful landscape or a tranquil state of mind.
- In Japan, placing a finger over the lips is a common gesture for 静かにして, but in very formal contexts, a slight bow and a soft お静かに is preferred over any physical gesture.
- In some Japanese media, especially anime, characters may use 静かに (shizuka ni) as a clipped, abrupt command, which sounds much more forceful and commanding than the full 静かにして.
Examples in context
- 静かにして！Be quiet!
- 黙れ！Shut up!
- 静かにして。Shizuka ni shite.Be quiet.
- 授業中は静かにして。Jugyō-chū wa shizuka ni shite.Be quiet during class.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are in a library.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、ここでは静かにして。Kenta, koko de wa shizuka ni shite.Kenta, be quiet in here.
- 健太 Kentaごめん、少し話しすぎた。Gomen, sukoshi hanashi sugita.Sorry, I talked too much.
- 美咲 Misakiみんな勉強しているからね。Minna benkyō shite iru kara ne.Everyone is studying, you know.
- 健太 Kentaわかった、気を付けるよ。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru yo.Okay, I'll be careful.
