silencio
/siˈlenθjo/
The English phrase "no talking" can be expressed in Spanish as silencio.
silencio is a noun used as a command to tell people to stop speaking and be quiet. To issue this command effectively in a classroom or public setting, it is standard to use an exclamatory tone or include exclamation marks, as in ¡Silencio!
Which one should you use?
While silencio is a noun used as a command, no hablen is the direct plural verbal command used to tell people to stop talking.
How does it change in a sentence?
¡Que haya silencio! uses the subjunctive mood to express the command "Let there be silence!"
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈlenθjo/
Did you know?
- To tell someone to be quiet, you often use the phrase guardar silencio, which treats silence as a physical object that can be 'kept' or 'guarded'.
- In formal or solemn settings, silencio does not just mean a lack of noise, but can actually describe a sacred or spiritual state of being.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a teacher might use a rhythmic clap or a bell rather than shouting ¡Silencio! to gather attention without sounding aggressive.
Examples in context
- No hables, por favor.Don't speak, please.
- Deja de hablar, por favor.Stop talking, please.
- Cállate, por favor.Shut up, please.
- Por favor, mantengan silencio durante las presentaciones.Please, remain silent during the presentations.
- Hagan silencio en la clase.Be quiet in the class.
Example conversation
In a library where students are being too loud.
- Daniel¡Silencio, por favor!Silence, please!
- MaríaLo siento, Daniel.I am sorry, Daniel.
- DanielMaría, no hables tan fuerte.María, do not speak so loudly.
- MaríaEstá bien, guardaré silencio.Okay, I will keep quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry silencio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
