chut
/ʃy/
The English phrase "sh" is translated into French as chut.
Meaning: self-harm (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃy/
Did you know?
- Unlike many French words that can be changed to suit the person you are talking to, chut remains a constant, unchanging sound regardless of whether you are being polite or informal.
- While chut is used to command silence, it is often perceived as quite blunt or even rude if used with a stranger or a superior.
- Unlike the English 'shh', which can be prolonged indefinitely, chut is typically pronounced as a short, sharp burst of sound.
Examples in context
- Chut ! Il dort !Sh! He's sleeping!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use chut to request silence when someone is sleeping.Tatoeba #4602613 by sacredceltic, translation #6021868 by Theocracy
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are in a quiet library.
- ChloéChut, on est dans une bibliothèque.Shh, we are in a library.
- LucasDésolé, je vais faire attention.Sorry, I will be careful.
- ChloéMerci, Lucas, parle plus bas.Thank you, Lucas, speak more softly.
- LucasPas de problème, Chloé.No problem, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
