silenzio per favore
/siˈlɛn.t͡sjo per faˈvo.re/word by word
The English phrase "please be quiet" is translated into Italian as silenzio per favore.
This phrase is used to make a polite request for someone to stop making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun silenzio (silence) and the polite formula per favore (please).
Which one should you use?
You can also say silenzio per piacere, which is a common and equally polite alternative. While the full phrase is a request, using only silenzio! as a command can sound rude or impatient.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- If you want to ask someone to be quiet more gently, such as with a child, you might use stai tranquillo, which literally translates to 'stay calm' or 'be tranquil'.
- The phrase fare silenzio is often used instead of just silenzio, which literally means 'to make silence' rather than 'to be quiet'.
- While per favore is the standard translation for 'please', the alternative per piacere literally means 'for pleasure', suggesting that the request is being granted as a favor to the speaker's happiness.
Examples in context
- Per favore, faccia silenzio.Please, be quiet.
- Mi scusi, potrebbe fare meno rumore?Excuse me, could you make less noise?
- Per cortesia, abbassi la voce.Please lower your voice.
- Scusa, potresti fare un po' meno rumore?Sorry, could you make a little less noise?
- Ti prego, abbassa la voce.Please, lower your voice.
- Silenzio per favore, sto studiando.Please be quiet, I am studying.
- Silenzio per favore, il bambino dorme.Please be quiet, the baby is sleeping.
- Potete fare silenzio per favore?Can you be quiet, please?
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are in a cinema.
- SofiaLorenzo, silenzio per favore.Lorenzo, please be quiet.
- LorenzoScusa, non me ne sono accorto.Sorry, I didn't notice.
- SofiaIl film è appena iniziato.The movie has just started.
- LorenzoVa bene, non dico più nulla.Alright, I won't say anything else.
