tace
To say "stop talking" in Latin, use tace.
tace is an imperative verb, meaning it is used specifically to issue a command.
Which one should you use?
If you are commanding more than one person to stop talking, use the form tacete.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural imperative of tace is tacete.
Did you know?
- Using the singular tace can feel as sharp and sudden as a physical slap due to the total lack of polite softening particles.
- In ecclesiastical Latin, the plural form tacete is used to guide a congregation or group of monks into a meditative state of silence.
- While 'tace' is a command to be silent, the root can also relate to the concept of 'stillness' or 'quietude' in a physical sense, not just a vocal one.
Examples in context
- Tace et audi me.Stop talking and listen to me.This sentence shows how to use tace when telling someone to stop talking and listen to you.Tatoeba #1557718 by alexmarcelo, translation #65046 by CK
- Tacē domīne!Stay silent, sir!
- Silentium in scholā, discipulī!Quiet in school, students!
- Tace, soror!Be quiet, sister!
- Tace, amice.Stop talking, friend.
- Tace nunc!Stop talking now!
Example conversation
Gaius wants to read a book in silence.
- GaiusAurelia, tace modo.Aurelia, just stop talking.
- AureliaCur? Nihil dico.Why? I am saying nothing.
- GaiusLibros legere volo.I want to read books.
- AureliaBene, tacebo.Fine, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tace, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
