arrête de parler
In French, the phrase to say "stop talking" is arrête de parler.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to cease speaking or to be quiet.
Which one should you use?
While arrête de parler is a direct command to cease the act of speaking, the phrase tais-toi is a more blunt and often more rude way to tell someone to be quiet.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, Arrête donc de jacasser is an informal way to say stop talking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form arrête de parler is used for a single person in an informal context (using tu). If you are addressing more than one person or using the formal vous, you must use the form arrêtez de parler instead.
Did you know?
- The verb parler is distantly related to the English word 'parable', as both trace back to the Greek word for a comparison or illustrative story.
- In some regions, adding donc to Arrête donc de parler does not mean 'therefore' but instead adds a layer of impatience or emphasis to the command.
- In France, a person might respond to arrête de parler by using the expression je ne parle pas, je communique, which is a playful way to dodge the command.
Examples in context
- Arrête de parler de Tom.Stop talking about Tom.This sentence demonstrates how to use arrête de parler to stop someone from talking about a specific person.Tatoeba #5364583 by Aiji, translation #3819303 by CK
- Arrête de parler boulot !Stop talking shop!This sentence shows the use of arrête de parler when telling someone to stop talking about work.Tatoeba #1653095 by nimfeo, translation #908868 by sundown
- Arrête de parler comme ça.Stop talking like that.This sentence illustrates using arrête de parler to tell someone to stop talking in a specific manner.Tatoeba #7028838 by Aiji, translation #3181216 by CK
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous arrêter de parler ?Excuse me, could you please stop talking?
- Tais-toi un instant, j'aimerais finir ma phrase.Be quiet for a moment, I would like to finish my sentence.
- Veuillez cesser de parler pendant la réunion, s'il vous plaît.Please refrain from talking during the meeting.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet library where a student is trying to study.
- EmmaS'il te plaît, arrête de parler.Please, stop talking.
- GabrielDésolé, je ne voulais pas faire de bruit.Sorry, I didn't want to make noise.
- EmmaC'est important, je dois me concentrer.It is important, I need to concentrate.
- GabrielD'accord, je me tairai.Okay, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
