Meaning
Refraining from making noise.
Cultural Background
Silence is considered a sign of respect and listening. Interrupting someone is very rude, and 'olla hiljaa' while another speaks is the norm. The sauna is a place for 'saunarauha' (sauna peace). While talking is allowed, being 'hiljaa' and enjoying the steam is highly valued. Classrooms in Finland are traditionally quite quiet compared to many other countries. 'Olkaa hiljaa' is a common teacher command to start a lesson. Finns generally prefer to 'olla hiljaa' on buses and trains. Loud phone conversations are often frowned upon.
Don't fear the silence
In Finland, being 'hiljaa' in a conversation is not a sign of boredom. It means people are thinking.
Tone matters
Saying 'Ole hiljaa!' with a sharp tone is a command to shut up. Use a soft tone for 'Be quiet, please'.
Meaning
Refraining from making noise.
Don't fear the silence
In Finland, being 'hiljaa' in a conversation is not a sign of boredom. It means people are thinking.
Tone matters
Saying 'Ole hiljaa!' with a sharp tone is a command to shut up. Use a soft tone for 'Be quiet, please'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Lapset, ______ hiljaa!
Since 'lapset' (children) is plural, the plural imperative 'olkaa' is required.
Which sentence is a polite request?
How do you ask someone to be quiet politely?
'Voisitko' (Could you) makes the request polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a library with a friend who is talking loudly.
This is a gentle way to remind a friend to follow library rules.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Miksi et sanonut mitään kokouksessa? B: Päätin ______ hiljaa.
The infinitive 'olla' follows the verb 'päättää' (to decide).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to be 'hiljaa'
Public Spaces
- • Kirjasto
- • Kirkko
- • Elokuvat
Home
- • Makuuhuone
- • Sauna
- • Yö
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLapset, ______ hiljaa!
Since 'lapset' (children) is plural, the plural imperative 'olkaa' is required.
How do you ask someone to be quiet politely?
'Voisitko' (Could you) makes the request polite.
Situation: You are in a library with a friend who is talking loudly.
This is a gentle way to remind a friend to follow library rules.
A: Miksi et sanonut mitään kokouksessa? B: Päätin ______ hiljaa.
The infinitive 'olla' follows the verb 'päättää' (to decide).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt can be. To be polite, add 'kiitos' (thanks) or use 'Voisitko olla hiljaa?' (Could you be quiet?).
'Hiljaa' is an adverb (used with verbs), 'hiljainen' is an adjective (used with nouns).
The most common (but rude) way is 'Turpa kiinni!'.
Related Phrases
pysyä hiljaa
similarTo remain silent
vaieta
synonymTo fall silent / to keep a secret
hiljentyä
builds onTo quiet down
pitää suunsa kiinni
informalTo keep one's mouth shut
