Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| silencieux | /si.lɑ̃.sjø/ | masculine |
| se taire |
The term can refer to something that is free from sound or noise, absolutely still or perfectly quiet. You can use the adjective silencieux to describe a person or an object that is quiet, or use the verb se taire to describe the action of becoming or staying silent. The verb se taire is often used as an imperative to tell someone to be quiet.
Which one should you use?
Use the adjective silencieux to describe a person or thing that is quiet, whereas the verb se taire means 'to be silent' or 'to shut up'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number. The masculine singular form is silencieux, and this form is also used for the masculine plural. The feminine singular form is silencieuse, and the feminine plural form is silencieuses.
How do you pronounce it?
/si.lɑ̃.sjø/
When do people say it?
To mimic the sound of shushing someone, you can use the informal onomatopoeic word Chut. If you want to use a colloquial expression to describe someone who is extremely quiet, you can say Muet comme une carpe, which literally means 'as silent as a carp'.
Did you know?
- The verb se taire underwent a strange transformation where it was rebuilt from its own future tense forms to match the pattern of verbs like plaire, changing from the original 'taisir' to the modern 'taire'.
- In French, a 'silencer' on a firearm is called un silencieux, using the exact same adjective that describes a quiet room.
- The verb se taire is reflexive, meaning you are literally 'silencing yourself' rather than just 'being silent'.
Examples in context
- Il est resté silencieux.He remained silent.This sentence is useful for showing how to use silencieux to describe someone remaining silent.Tatoeba #130950 by TRANG, translation #290297 by CK
- Tom est resté silencieux.Tom kept silent.This sentence is useful for showing how to use silencieux to describe someone keeping silent.Tatoeba #9402291 by Micsmithel, translation #2237098 by CK
- Le garçon resta silencieux.The boy remained silent.Tatoeba #1330247 by sacredceltic, translation #47434 by CK
- La bibliothèque était silencieuse.The library was silent.
- Le spectateur muet observait attentivement.The silent spectator observed attentively.
- Nous sommes entrés dans la pièce sans bruit.We entered the room silently.
- Chut ! Ne fais pas de bruit.Shh! Don't make any noise.
- Hier soir, Paul était muet comme une carpe.Last night, Paul was as silent as a carp.
- Tais-toi et écoute.Be silent and listen.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are entering a library.
- LéaIl faut être silencieux ici.You have to be quiet here.
- LucasJe sais, je vais faire attention.I know, I will be careful.
- LéaLe salon de lecture est vraiment silencieux.The reading room is really silent.
- LucasC'est parfait pour travailler, Léa.It is perfect for working, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silent” translations and entries silencieux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, silencieux, taire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
