silencio, por favor
/siˈlenθjo poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase "silence please" is translated into Spanish as silencio, por favor.
This phrase is used in settings like libraries, classrooms or theaters to request quiet from a group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun silencio (silence) and the polite formula por favor (please).
How does it change in a sentence?
While silencio, por favor is a polite request, using only ¡Silencio! with exclamation marks is a common way to command silence more forcefully.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈlenθjo poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word quieto is often mistaken for 'quiet' by learners, but it actually means 'still' or 'motionless'. To describe a quiet atmosphere, Spanish speakers use the adjective silencioso.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a teacher might not say silencio, por favor but instead use a rhythmic clapping pattern that the students must mimic to signal the start of silence.
- In highly formal settings like a gala, a speaker may avoid silencio, por favor and instead use disculpen la interrupción to politely signal for the room to become quiet.
Examples in context
- Silencio, por favor, estamos en una biblioteca.Silence please, we are in a library.
- Silencio, por favor, el bebé está durmiendo.Silence please, the baby is sleeping.
- Silencio, por favor, la película va a empezar.Silence please, the movie is about to start.
Example conversation
A teacher is trying to start a class in a noisy room.
- María¡Silencio, por favor! La clase va a comenzar.Silence please! The class is going to start.
- AlejandroLo siento, María, ya nos callamos.I'm sorry, María, we will be quiet now.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro, abre tu libro en la página diez.Thank you, Alejandro, open your book to page ten.
- AlejandroDe nada, profesora.You're welcome, teacher.
