Signification
Asking for silence.
Contexte culturel
The 'Mesimeri' (afternoon quiet hours) are legally enforced in many residential areas. Making noise between 3 PM and 5:30 PM can lead to complaints or even police intervention. The concept of 'Isychia' is central to Mount Athos, where monks practice silence to achieve a closer connection to God. In noisy cities like Athens, 'isychia' is considered a luxury. Apartments with 'isychia' (not facing a main road) are more expensive. Greek families are notoriously loud. Saying 'Θέλω ησυχία' is often the only way to get a word in or to get some rest during a family gathering.
Add 'παρακαλώ'
Always add 'παρακαλώ' (please) at the end if you are asking someone else to be quiet, to avoid sounding bossy.
Watch the tone
If you say this with a sharp, rising intonation, it can sound like a reprimand. Keep your voice low for a genuine plea for peace.
Signification
Asking for silence.
Add 'παρακαλώ'
Always add 'παρακαλώ' (please) at the end if you are asking someone else to be quiet, to avoid sounding bossy.
Watch the tone
If you say this with a sharp, rising intonation, it can sound like a reprimand. Keep your voice low for a genuine plea for peace.
The 'Possessive' Trick
Use 'Θέλω την ησυχία μου' (I want my peace) when you want people to stop bothering you with their problems, not just to stop making noise.
The Afternoon Nap
Remember the 'Mesimeri' hours. If you say 'Θέλω ησυχία' during this time, every Greek will understand and support you.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I want a little quiet.'
Θέλω ____ ησυχία.
'Λίγη' is the feminine form of 'little,' matching the feminine noun 'ησυχία'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask for quiet in an office?
Πώς το λέμε ευγενικά;
The conditional 'θα ήθελα' and the word 'παρακαλώ' make the request polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You have a migraine and your friend is talking loudly.
This directly addresses the physical need for quiet due to pain.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί κλείνεις την πόρτα; Β: Γιατί _________.
'Θέλω ησυχία' explains the reason (purpose) for closing the door.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Quiet vs. Shut Up
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΘέλω ____ ησυχία.
'Λίγη' is the feminine form of 'little,' matching the feminine noun 'ησυχία'.
Πώς το λέμε ευγενικά;
The conditional 'θα ήθελα' and the word 'παρακαλώ' make the request polite.
Situation: You have a migraine and your friend is talking loudly.
This directly addresses the physical need for quiet due to pain.
Α: Γιατί κλείνεις την πόρτα; Β: Γιατί _________.
'Θέλω ησυχία' explains the reason (purpose) for closing the door.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently. It depends on your tone. Adding 'παρακαλώ' makes it perfectly polite.
'Ησυχία' is the general state of quiet/peace. 'Σιωπή' is specifically the absence of speech or a total, heavy silence.
Yes, but use the formal 'Θα ήθελα λίγη ησυχία' to be professional.
Use 'Κάντε ησυχία' (Kante isychia).
It means 'Leave me alone' or 'Leave me in peace.' It's more forceful.
It is feminine: η ησυχία.
Use 'Χρειάζομαι ησυχία' (Chriazomai isychia).
Yes, you can say 'Θέλω ένα σπίτι με ησυχία' (I want a house with quiet).
Slang would be 'Βγάλτε το σκασμό' (Shut it), but it's very aggressive.
Because Greek life is very social and loud, 'isychia' is the necessary balance for rest and reflection.
Expressions liées
Κάντε ησυχία
specialized formBe quiet (command)
Ηρεμήστε
similarCalm down
Σιωπή!
synonymSilence!
Άσε με ήσυχο
builds onLeave me alone
Ησυχία και τάξη
specialized formLaw and order (lit. quiet and order)
