wees alsjeblieft stil
/ʋeːs ˌɑ(l)ʃəˈblift stɪl/word by word
The Dutch phrase for "please be quiet" is wees alsjeblieft stil.
This phrase is used to make a polite request for someone to stop making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains alsjeblieft, which means "please".
How do you pronounce it?
/ʋeːs ˌɑ(l)ʃəˈblift stɪl/
Did you know?
- In Dutch, alsjeblieft is used not only to say 'please' but also when handing someone an object, similar to saying 'here you go'.
- The word alsjeblieft is a contraction of four words: als, het, je, and belieft, which literally translates to 'if it pleases you'.
- If you say Zit stil! to a child, you are not telling them to sit quietly, but rather to 'sit still' without moving.
Examples in context
- Wilt u alstublieft stil zijn?Would you please be quiet?
- Mag ik u verzoeken om stilte?May I request you to be silent?
- Kun je alsjeblieft stil zijn?Can you please be quiet?
- Wil je je mond houden, alsjeblieft?Could you please keep your mouth shut?
- Wees alsjeblieft stil tijdens de film.Please be quiet during the movie.
- Wees alsjeblieft stil, ik probeer te slapen.Please be quiet, I am trying to sleep.
- Wees alsjeblieft stil in de bibliotheek.Please be quiet in the library.
Example conversation
Julia is trying to concentrate on her book while Levi is humming.
- JuliaLevi, wees alsjeblieft stil.Levi, please be quiet.
- LeviOeps, sorry Julia.Oops, sorry Julia.
- JuliaIk probeer me te concentreren.I am trying to concentrate.
- LeviIk zal nu niets meer zeggen.I won't say anything more now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (wees, alsjeblieft, stil) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alsjeblieft, stil, wees, CC BY-SA 4.0.
