silencio, por favor
/siˈlenθjo poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase 'hush please' is translated into Spanish as silencio, por favor.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to stop talking or be quiet.
What does it mean word for word?
The word silencio literally means 'silence'.
Which one should you use?
While silencio, por favor is a polite request, the phrase ¡Cállate! is a blunt and often rude command to shut up.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, you can use Tranquilos, por favor. to politely ask for silence. In Spain, the phrase Guarda silencio, por favor. is used to say 'hush please'.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈlenθjo poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish contexts, the phrase silencio, por favor is not just a request for quiet but a way to signal the start of a formal ceremony or a moment of collective mourning.
- While silencio means 'silence', the word callar used in related phrases can mean both 'to be quiet' and 'to keep a secret'.
- In certain regions, adding por favor to silencio can actually make the request feel more stern or impatient, depending on the speaker's emphasis on the word por.
Examples in context
- Silencio, por favor. Vamos a comenzar la clase.Hush please. Let's begin the class.
- Calla, por favor. Tu hermana está durmiendo.Hush please. Your sister is sleeping.
- Silencio, por favor, que estoy estudiando.Silence, please, I am studying.
- Silencio, por favor, la película va a empezar.Quiet, please, the movie is about to start.
- Silencio, por favor, el bebé está durmiendo.Hush please, the baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are in a library.
- LucíaMateo, silencio, por favor.Mateo, hush please.
- MateoLo siento, Lucía.I am sorry, Lucía.
- LucíaHay mucha gente estudiando.There are many people studying.
- MateoEstá bien, no hablaré más.All right, I won't talk anymore.
