Which one should you use?
While silence is the noun used to name the lack of sound, if you need to describe a person or an object as being silent, you should use the adjective silencieux.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word silence works as both a noun and a command and is widely understood in formal contexts. If you want to be more polite when demanding silence, you can add je vous prie to the end, as in Silence, je vous prie. For a more direct and informal way to tell someone to be quiet or shut up, use Tais-toi. In very informal settings, you can use the sound Chut to mean 'shh' or 'shush'. In a professional film setting, the colloquial phrase Silence, on tourne is used to mean 'Quiet, we're rolling'. For very formal descriptions of tranquility, you might use Le calme or for absolute silence, Le silence absolu. If you are describing a state of complete speechlessness, the formal term Un mutisme total is appropriate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
silence is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /si.lɑ̃s/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The expression un silence pesant describes a 'heavy' silence. This is a common French colocation used to describe an uncomfortable or oppressive atmosphere during a conversation.
- French distinguishes between silence, which is the absence of noise, and le calme, which refers to a state of peace or tranquility. You can have silence in a tense or awkward room without having le calme.
- The term mutisme is used specifically for a silence that is a refusal to speak. While silence is neutral, un mutisme often implies a stubborn or psychological wall between people.
Examples in context
- Silence à table !Silence at the table!This sentence shows how to use silence as a command to quiet a table.Tatoeba #4551309 by Rovo, translation #6762414 by Eccles17
- Le silence est d'or.Silence is golden.This sentence uses silence as a noun in a common proverb.Tatoeba #762944 by U2FS, translation #762939 by U2FS
- Silence, je vous prie.Silence, please.This sentence demonstrates how to use silence politely by adding a request for consideration.Tatoeba #9025691 by Micsmithel, translation #8833043 by jimkillock
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are trying to study in a library.
- NathanIl y a trop de bruit ici.It is too noisy here.
- EmmaTu as raison, j'ai besoin de silence.You are right, I need silence.
- NathanCherchons une table plus calme.Let's look for a calmer table.
- EmmaBonne idée, Nathan.Good idea, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silence” translations and entries silence, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
