ησυχία παρακαλώ
ysychía parakaló/i.siˈçi.a parakaˈlo/word by word
In Greek, "please be quiet" is translated as ησυχία παρακαλώ (ysychía parakaló).
The phrase ησυχία παρακαλώ is used to request a quiet environment, such as in a library, a cinema or a classroom.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of ησυχία, which means "silence" and παρακαλώ, which means "please".
Which one should you use?
While ησυχία παρακαλώ is a polite request for quiet, the single word Σιωπή! is a much harsher, more commanding way to tell someone to shut up.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is ysychía parakaló. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In the Orthodox tradition, the concept of ησυχασμός (hesychasm), derived from ησυχία, is a mystical practice of silence and stillness used to achieve a deep union with God.
- The word παρακαλώ is also the standard word used in Greek to say 'you are welcome' when someone thanks you, making it a very versatile term of social grace.
- The word παρακαλώ is built from two parts: παρα-, meaning 'beside', and καλώ, meaning 'to call'. Literally, it describes the act of calling someone to your side.
Examples in context
- Παρακαλώ σιωπή κατά τη διάρκεια της συνάντησης.Please be quiet during the meeting.
- Παρακαλώ να σιωπήσετε κατά τη διάρκεια του χαιρετισμού.Please be silent during the greeting.
- Παρακαλώ, σιωπήσε, προσπαθώ να συγκεντρωθώ.Please be quiet, I'm trying to concentrate.
- Μην κάνεις θόρυβο, παρακαλώ, προσπαθώ να διαβάσω.Don't make noise, please, I'm trying to read.
- Ησυχία παρακαλώ, προσπαθώ να διαβάσω.Isychía parakaló, prospathó na diaváso.Quiet please, I am trying to read.
- Ησυχία παρακαλώ, κοιμάται το μωρό.Isychía parakaló, koimátai to moró.Quiet please, the baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are in a library.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑναστασία, ησυχία παρακαλώ.Anastasía, isychía parakaló.Anastasia, please be quiet.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣυγγνώμη, ξέχασα πού ήμαστε.Sygnómi, xéchasa poú ímaste.Sorry, I forgot where we are.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίμαστε στη βιβλιοθήκη.Eímaste sti vivliothíki.We are in the library.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις δίκιο, θα είμαι ήσυχη.Écheis díkio, tha ímai isychi.You are right, I will be quiet.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ησυχία, παρακαλώ) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ησυχία, παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
