şşt
/ʃʃt/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shush" is translated into Turkish as şşt.
The interjection şşt is used to demand silence, functioning similarly to the English "shush" or "shh".
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
Which one should you use?
While şşt is an interjection used to demand silence, you can also use the verb sus to say "shush" informally. For more structured requests for silence, you might use Sessiz ol (informal) or Sessiz olun (formal).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
şşt is an informal interjection. Because it is blunt, it can be perceived as rude or impolite if used toward strangers or elders. In formal or polite situations, you should use Lütfen susun (Please be silent) or Sessiz olun (Be quiet). Among friends or family, the informal Sessiz ol (Be quiet) is also appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Susalım, meaning "Let's shush" or "Let's be silent", is common in various regions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃʃt/. The sound is like the [sh] in "shoe".
Did you know?
- While şşt is used for silence, Turkish speakers often use a clicking sound with the tongue or a sharp tsk to get attention or signal disapproval without using words.
- While English speakers use 'shh' to signal silence, the Turkish şşt is often perceived as much more aggressive and can actually be used to get someone's attention quite abruptly, similar to 'hey you'.
- The word sessizlik (silence) comes from ses (sound) and the suffix -siz, which means 'without', literally translating to 'sound-less'.
Examples in context
- Lütfen sessiz olunPlease be quiet
- Lütfen susunPlease be silent
- Sessiz olBe quiet
- Sus!Shush!
- Sessiz olalımLet's be quiet
- SusalımLet's shush / Let's be silent
- Şşt, biraz sessiz olur musun?Shush, can you be a little quiet?
- Şşt, bebek uyuyor.Shush, the baby is sleeping.
- Şşt, biri geliyor!Shush, someone is coming!
Example conversation
Burak and Elif are in a movie theater.
- BurakŞşt, film başladı bile.Shush, the movie has already started.
- ElifTamam, sustum.Okay, I'm quiet.
- BurakÇok konuşuyorsun, Elif.You are talking too much, Elif.
- ElifÖzür dilerim, Burak.I am sorry, Burak.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
