What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun silence and the polite formula s'il vous plaît, which literally translates to 'if it pleases you'.
Which one should you use?
While silence s'il vous plaît is a polite request, the single word Chut ! functions like the English 'Shh!' to tell someone to be quiet. For a very formal and direct request, you can use Je vous prie de vous taire, which means 'I request you to be quiet'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Silence s'il vous plaît is a formal way to ask for quiet. For more casual situations, you can use Chut !, which is a common and much more informal way to say 'quiet', similar to 'Shh!' in English. Je vous prie de vous taire is also a formal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a single person you know well or a child, you can use the informal version silence s'il te plaît instead of silence s'il vous plaît.
Did you know?
- The French word vous in silence s'il vous plaît shares a common ancestor with the Russian word вы (vy) and the Italian word voi.
- While silence s'il vous plaît is polite, the French Chut ! is an onomatopoeia that mimics the actual sound of a finger placed over the lips.
Examples in context
- Silence s'il vous plaît, je travaille.Quiet please, I am working.
- Silence s'il vous plaît, le bébé dort.Quiet please, the baby is sleeping.
- Un peu de silence s'il vous plaît.A little silence, please.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are in a classroom.
- GabrielSilence s'il vous plaît, tout le monde.Quiet please, everyone.
- LéaDésolée Gabriel, je parlais avec mon amie.Sorry Gabriel, I was talking with my friend.
- GabrielLe professeur arrive maintenant.The teacher is arriving now.
- LéaD'accord, je me tais.Okay, I'll be quiet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries silence, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
