σσσ
sss
The Greek way to say shush is σσσ (sss).
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
Which one should you use?
The expression Σιγά! is a common informal way to tell someone to be quiet or lower their voice. In contrast, Σιωπήστε, παρακαλώ! is the preferred way to request silence politely in formal situations. Additionally, the reduplicated form Σιγά-σιγά! means quietly or slowly, but it can also be used to signal that someone should be quiet.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sss.
Did you know?
- While σσσ is a sound, the word σιγά can be used sarcastically to mean 'yeah, right' or 'hardly' when you disagree with someone's claim.
- In some Greek dialects, a sharp ψιτ! is used instead of σσσ to get someone's attention quietly, similar to the 'psst' sound in English.
- Using σιωπή! as a command is often associated with strict authority figures, such as old-fashioned schoolteachers or judges, making it sound like a legal decree.
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are in a movie theater.
- Ελένη EleniΚώστα, σσσ, ξεκίνησε η ταινία!Kósta, sss, xekínise i tainía!Kostas, shush, the movie has started!
- Κώστας KostasΣυγγνώμη, ξεχάστηκε ότι μιλούσα.Sygnómi, xechástike óti miloúsa.Sorry, I forgot that I was talking.
- Ελένη EleniΑπλώς πες μου μετά.Aplós pes mou metá.Just tell me later.
- Κώστας KostasΈνταξα, θα είμαι ήσυχος.Éntaxa, tha ímai ísychos.Okay, I will be quiet.
