嘘
xū
The English phrase "shush" is translated into Chinese as 嘘 (xū).
The word 嘘 is an onomatopoeic interjection used to signal someone to be quiet, much like the English 'shush'.
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
xū
Did you know?
- In some contexts, 嘘 is not used to ask for silence but as a collective sound of booing to show disapproval during a performance.
- The character 嘘 is actually a simplified variant that emerged from a complex process involving the character 虚, which means 'empty' or 'void'.
- While 嘘 is a direct command for silence, using it toward a social superior in China can be perceived as surprisingly rude or aggressive.
Examples in context
- 小声一点，安静。Speak softly, be quiet.
- 孩子们，静一静，我们开始上课。Children, settle down, we are starting the class.
- 嘘，别吵闹。Shush, stop making noise.
- 你们两个，闭嘴！我需要专心工作。You two, shush! I need to focus on my work.
- 嘘，别说话。Xū, bié shuōhuà.Shush, don't talk.
- 嘘，他在睡觉。Xū, tā zài shuìjiào.Shush, he is sleeping.
- 嘘，别吵到别人。Xū, bié chǎo dào biérén.Shush, don't disturb others.
Example conversation
In a quiet library, Zhiqiang and Zihan are studying.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你在看什么？Nǐ zài kàn shénme?What are you looking at?
- 梓涵 Zihan嘘，这里很安静。Xū, zhèlǐ hěn ānjìng.Shush, it is very quiet here.
- 志强 Zhiqiang对不起，我忘了。Duìbuqǐ, wǒ wàngle.Sorry, I forgot.
- 梓涵 Zihan没关系，小声点就好。Méiguānxì, xiǎoshēng diǎn jiù hǎo.It's okay, just be quiet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 嘘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
