sst
[sːt]
The Dutch way to say "shush" is sst.
You can also use the noun stilte, which translates to "silence", to indicate that someone should be quiet.
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
Did you know?
- If a Dutch person tells you Houd je snavel!, they are telling you to be quiet by literally telling you to 'hold your beak'.
- The Dutch often use the phrase hou je mond, which literally means 'hold your mouth', as a much more forceful and rude way to tell someone to 'shush'.
- In certain Dutch dialects, a prolonged sssst with a rising intonation acts as a social warning that a person is about to reveal a secret or say something scandalous.
Examples in context
- Sssh, ik probeer de instructies te volgen.Shh, I'm trying to follow the instructions.
- Mag het wat stiller zijn? Ik probeer me te concentreren.Could it be a bit quieter? I'm trying to concentrate.
- Sst, de baby slaapt.Shush, the baby is sleeping.
- Sst, de film begint nu.Shush, the movie is starting now.
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are in a library.
- SophieSst, we zijn in de bibliotheek.Shush, we are in the library.
- DaanOh, sorry, ik was te luid.Oh, sorry, I was too loud.
- SophieDaan, houd alsjeblieft je stem laag.Daan, please keep your voice down.
- DaanIk zal stil zijn.I will be quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sst, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
