chut
/ʃyt/
The French phrase for "shh" is chut.
chut is an interjection used to command silence or to tell someone to be quiet.
Meaning: requesting silence (intj)
Which one should you use?
While chut is the standard interjection, the elongated form chuuuut is an informal way to ask for quietness in a playful or affectionate manner. To tell someone to shut up or be quiet more directly, the informal phrase Tais-toi is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using chut is an informal and direct way to request silence, but it can be perceived as rude if used with strangers or superiors. For a formal alternative used to quiet a group, use the word silence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃyt/
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking cultures, using chut to silence an adult can be seen as more condescending than the English 'shh', as it mimics how one speaks to a child.
- In French literature, the elongated chuuuut is often used in dialogue to indicate a suspenseful or secretive atmosphere, moving beyond a simple request for quiet.
- In a classroom setting, a French teacher might use the rhythmic chant chut, chut, chut to signal a transition to silence without raising their voice.
Examples in context
- Chut ! Elle arrive !Shh! She's coming!This sentence is useful for practicing the use of chut when someone is approaching.Tatoeba #12437970 by lbdx, translation #10001857 by Hybrid
- Chut ! Tu parles trop fort !Shh! You're talking too loud!This sentence is useful for practicing the use of chut when someone is speaking too loudly.Tatoeba #11482627 by Rovo, translation #11482733 by shekitten
- Chut !Shh!This sentence is useful for practicing the standalone use of chut.Tatoeba #10504290 by lbdx, translation #9019960 by Rawrren
- Chut, s'il vous plaît. Nous sommes en réunion.Quiet, please. We are in a meeting.
- Silence, mesdames et messieurs. Le spectacle va commencer.Silence, ladies and gentlemen. The show is about to start.
- Chuuuut, les enfants. Maman et papa discutent.Shhh, kids. Mom and dad are talking.
- Tais-toi, mon ami, le film va commencer.Shh, my friend, the movie is about to start.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are in a movie theater.
- GabrielChut ! Le film commence.Shh! The movie is starting.
- EmmaOh, pardon. Je me tais.Oh, sorry. I'll be quiet.
- GabrielMerci, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
- EmmaPas de problème.No problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shh” translations and entries chut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
