Chut !
The English phrase "shhh" is translated into French as Chut !
Chut ! is an exclamation used to tell someone to be quiet.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Tais-toi functions as a direct command to mean "Be quiet" or "Shut up".
Did you know?
- A French speaker might use the sound Chut ! to signal 'wait' or 'hold on' if they hear something unexpected, effectively using 'be quiet' to mean 'listen'.
- The phrase Tais-toi, often used alongside Chut !, comes from the verb taire, which also means to keep a secret or leave something unsaid.
- While English speakers often use 'shhh' as a long, continuous sound, the French Chut ! is typically delivered as a sharp, sudden burst of air.
Examples in context
- Lors de la réunion, veuillez vous taire.During the meeting, please be quiet.
- Chut, s'il vous plaît. Nous devons rester concentrés.Shh, please. We need to stay focused.
- Tais-toi, on essaie de se concentrer ici.Shush, we're trying to focus here.
- Chut ! Le bébé dort.Shhh! The baby is sleeping.
- Chut ! Je travaille.Shhh! I am working.
- Chut ! On regarde un film.Shhh! We are watching a movie.
Example conversation
In a quiet library.
- LéaChut ! Nathan, fais moins de bruit.Shhh! Nathan, make less noise.
- NathanDésolé, Léa. Je ne parlais pas fort.Sorry, Léa. I wasn't speaking loudly.
- LéaChut ! Il faut être silencieux ici.Shhh! One must be silent here.
- NathanD'accord, je me tais.Okay, I'll be quiet.
