Meaning
An imperative to make less noise.
Cultural Background
In Iranian schools, the teacher often says 'Sāket!' (just the adjective) while tapping a ruler on the desk. It is a very common childhood memory for many Iranians. Silence (Sokut) is a major theme in Sufism. Rumi often ends his poems with the word 'Khamush' (Silent), which was also his pen name. This shows a deep spiritual respect for silence. Directly telling someone to be quiet can be seen as a lack of 'Adab' (manners). Iranians often use indirect body language, like a gentle touch or a look, before resorting to 'Sāket bāsh'. In Tehran's crowded metros, you might hear 'Sāket bāsh' during arguments, but more often people use 'Yavāsh' (Slowly/Quietly) to ask someone to lower their voice.
Softening the blow
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) if you aren't angry. It changes the phrase from a barked command to a polite request.
The 'K' Word
Avoid 'Khafe sho' at all costs unless you are looking for a fight. It is much more offensive than 'Shut up' in English.
Meaning
An imperative to make less noise.
Softening the blow
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) if you aren't angry. It changes the phrase from a barked command to a polite request.
The 'K' Word
Avoid 'Khafe sho' at all costs unless you are looking for a fight. It is much more offensive than 'Shut up' in English.
Use the Plural
When in doubt, use 'Sāket bāshid'. It is safer and covers both groups and individuals with respect.
The 'Hish' Sound
Iranians use a very sharp 'Hish!' or 'Sss!' sound. It is often more effective than words in a noisy room.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to tell a group of students to be quiet.
بچهها، لطفاً ________.
Since 'bachche-hā' (children) is plural, you must use the plural imperative 'bāshid'.
Fill in the missing verb to complete the command 'Be quiet'.
ساکت ____!
The standard phrase uses 'bāsh' (the imperative of 'budan').
Match the phrase to the correct register.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal meeting?
This is the most formal and polite way to request silence.
Complete the dialogue.
A: دارم درس میخوانم. B: ببخشید، الان ________.
B is saying 'I will become quiet' (I'll be quiet now) in response to A's statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to ask for silence
Polite
- • لطفاً ساکت باشید
- • سکوت کنید
Neutral
- • ساکت باش
- • حرف نزن
Rude
- • خفه شو
- • ببند دهنتو
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبچهها، لطفاً ________.
Since 'bachche-hā' (children) is plural, you must use the plural imperative 'bāshid'.
ساکت ____!
The standard phrase uses 'bāsh' (the imperative of 'budan').
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal meeting?
This is the most formal and polite way to request silence.
A: دارم درس میخوانم. B: ببخشید، الان ________.
B is saying 'I will become quiet' (I'll be quiet now) in response to A's statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. To a friend, it's fine. To a stranger or elder, it's considered blunt and potentially rude.
Yes, you can tell a dog 'Sāket!' to make it stop barking.
'Sāket' is an adjective (silent), while 'Sokut' is a noun (silence).
Don't use this phrase. Say: 'Bakhshid, mishe lotfan kamtar sar-o-sedā konid?'
Yes, 'Khafe' is the slang/rude version, but it's very aggressive.
Yes, it comes from the Arabic root S-K-T.
Yes, 'Sāket sho' means 'Become quiet' and is very common.
Usually 'Saket bash' or 'Saaket baash'.
You can use 'Sāket bemān' (Stay silent), but 'Sāket bāsh' is more common.
Constantly. It's a staple of dramatic dialogue in Iranian cinema.
Related Phrases
ساکت شو
similarBecome quiet
حرف نزن
synonymDon't talk
سکوت کن
formalObserve silence
خفه شو
specialized formShut up
آرام باش
similarBe calm/quiet
صداتو بیار پایین
similarLower your voice
