뜻
Remaining silent or calm.
문화적 배경
Silence is considered a sign of maturity and respect. In social situations, 'pitää hiljaisuutta' is not seen as a failure of conversation but as a comfortable shared state. Similar to Finland, Japan values 'Ma' (the space between). Keeping silence is a way to show you are listening and reflecting on what has been said. In American culture, silence is often viewed as 'dead air' or awkward. People often feel the need to 'break the silence' rather than 'keep' it. Silence in public spaces is much rarer and often associated with something being wrong. The concept of 'pitää hiljaisuutta' is mostly reserved for religious contexts.
The Partitive Rule
Always use the partitive 'hiljaisuutta' when you mean the general state of silence. If you use 'hiljaisuus', it sounds like you are holding a physical object named Silence.
Don't Fear the Silence
If a Finn stops talking, they aren't necessarily bored. They are likely just 'pitämässä hiljaisuutta' with you. Take it as a compliment!
뜻
Remaining silent or calm.
The Partitive Rule
Always use the partitive 'hiljaisuutta' when you mean the general state of silence. If you use 'hiljaisuus', it sounds like you are holding a physical object named Silence.
Don't Fear the Silence
If a Finn stops talking, they aren't necessarily bored. They are likely just 'pitämässä hiljaisuutta' with you. Take it as a compliment!
Apartment Rules
If you see 'Hiljaisuus klo 22-07' on a sign, it means you must 'pitää hiljaisuutta'. No loud music or vacuuming!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'pitää'.
Meidän täytyy ______ hiljaisuutta kirjastossa.
After 'täytyy', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct for an apartment building rule?
Choose the correct option:
'Pidä hiljaisuutta' is the standard collocation for maintaining a quiet environment.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'Pidetään hetki hiljaisuutta'?
This phrase is used to call for a respectful moment of silence.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Lapset huutavat kovasti. B: Niin, heidän pitäisi ______.
If children are shouting, they should be doing the opposite: keeping quiet.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Where to 'Pitää Hiljaisuutta'
Public Spaces
- • Kirjasto (Library)
- • Kirkko (Church)
- • Sairaala (Hospital)
Special Events
- • Hautajaiset (Funeral)
- • Hiljainen hetki (Moment of silence)
- • Esitys (Performance)
At Home
- • Yöaika (Night time)
- • Sauna
- • Kun vauva nukkuu (When baby sleeps)
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Meidän täytyy ______ hiljaisuutta kirjastossa.
After 'täytyy', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the correct option:
'Pidä hiljaisuutta' is the standard collocation for maintaining a quiet environment.
Where would you most likely hear 'Pidetään hetki hiljaisuutta'?
This phrase is used to call for a respectful moment of silence.
A: Lapset huutavat kovasti. B: Niin, heidän pitäisi ______.
If children are shouting, they should be doing the opposite: keeping quiet.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it's much more polite. It's like saying 'maintain a quiet atmosphere' rather than 'stop talking'.
No, for secrets use 'pitää salaisuus'. 'Pitää hiljaisuutta' is only about noise.
Because silence is an abstract, uncountable concept being maintained, which requires the partitive case in Finnish.
No, that is considered very disrespectful in Finland. You should 'pitää hiljaisuutta' until the moment is over.
You would say 'Pidän hiljaisuudesta' (using the elative case for 'liking').
Yes, if you want to suggest a moment for reflection: 'Pidetäänkö pieni hiljaisuus ja mietitään?'
The opposite would be 'pitää meteliä' (to make/keep noise).
Yes, many Finnish songs use it to describe peace, loneliness, or respect.
They understand it, but they are more likely to be told 'ole hiljaa' by their parents.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine for both a library and a conversation with a friend.
관련 표현
olla hiljaa
similarTo be quiet
vaeta
synonymTo fall silent / to refrain from speaking
pitää suunsa kiinni
informalTo keep one's mouth shut
hiljainen hetki
builds onA moment of silence
