How to Say “Be Quiet” in Korean – Lets Know!

“Be quiet” is a phrase often used in various situations where silence or quietness is desired. In Korean, expressing this sentiment can be achieved through different words and phrases.

In this article, we’ll explore several ways to say “be quiet” in Korean, along with examples and breakdowns of each term.

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Common Ways to Say “Be Quiet” in Korean

1. 조용히 해 주세요 (Jo-yong-hi hae juseyo)

This is one of the most polite and widely used phrases to say “be quiet” or “quietly, please” in Korean. The breakdown is as follows:

• 조용히 (Jo-yong-hi) – Quietly
• 해 주세요 (Hae juseyo) – Please do

Thus, 조용히 해 주세요 directly translates to “Please do quietly.” This phrase is appropriate in formal settings, such as conversations with elders or when speaking in public places.

Examples:

1. 회의 중이니 조용히 해 주세요. (Hoe-yi jung-in-i jo-yong-hi hae juseyo) – “Please be quiet as we are in a meeting.”
2. 도서관에서는 조용히 해 주세요. (Do-seo-gwan-e-seon jo-yong-hi hae juseyo) – “Please be quiet in the library.”

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2. 시끄럽게 하지 마세요 (Sikkeuleopge haji maseyo)

This expression is used to tell someone not to be loud or noisy. The breakdown:

• 시끄럽게 (Sikkeuleopge) – Noisily, loudly
• 하지 마세요 (Haji maseyo) – Don’t do

Thus, 시끄럽게 하지 마세요 directly translates to “Don’t be loud.”

Examples:

1. 공공장소에서는 시끄럽게 하지 마세요. (Gong-gong jang-so-e-seon sikkeuleopge haji maseyo) – “Don’t be loud in public places.”
2. 애들 앞에서 시끄럽게 하지 마세요. (Aed-deul ap-e-seo sikkeuleopge haji maseyo) – “Don’t be loud in front of kids.”

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3. 조용히 있어 (Jo-yong-hi it-so)

This phrase is more casual and can be used among friends or acquaintances. The breakdown:

• 조용히 (Jo-yong-hi) – Quietly
• 있어 (It-so) – Stay/Be

Thus, 조용히 있어 translates to “Stay quiet” or “Be quiet.”

Examples:

1. 자, 조용히 있어. (Ja, jo-yong-hi it-so) – “Hey, be quiet.”
2. 소리 좀 줄여, 조용히 있어. (Sori jom jjullyeo, jo-yong-hi it-so) – “Lower the volume, be quiet.”

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4. 말 없이 (Mal-eob-si)

While this phrase literally translates to “without speaking,” it implies quietness and stillness. Breakdown:

• 말 (Mal) – Speech
• 없이 (Eob-si) – Without

So, 말 없이 means “Without speaking” or “Be quiet.”

Examples:

1. 그냥 말 없이 있어 주세요. (Geu-nyang mal eob-si it-so juseyo) – “Just stay quiet.”
2. 얘기하지 말 없이 있어 봐. (Yaegi-haji mal eob-si it-so bwa) – “Try to be quiet without speaking.”

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5. 소리 줄여요 (Sori jjul-lye-yo)

This expression directly translates to “Lower the noise” or “Be quieter.” Breakdown:

• 소리 (Sori) – Noise
• 줄여요 (Jjul-lye-yo) – Reduce

Therefore, 소리 줄여요 means “Lower the noise.”

Examples:

1. 춤추지 말고 소리 줄여요. (Chum-chu-ji mal-go sori jjul-lye-yo) – “Don’t dance, reduce the noise.”
2. TV 볼 때 소리 줄여요. (TV bol ddae sori jjul-lye-yo) – “Lower the volume when watching TV.”

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Practice: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with the appropriate phrase for “be quiet” in Korean.

1. 도서관에서는 ________.
2. 회의 중이니 ________.
3. 소리 좀 ________.
4. 친구들과 이야기할 때 ________.
5. 영화 보면서 ________.

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Final Lines!

Let’s practice these phrases together and continue exploring more about the Korean language.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below!