Significado
Comforting someone.
Contexto cultural
Dutch parents are known for being very responsive to their children's emotions. 'Stil maar' is part of a parenting style that emphasizes 'rust, reinheid, en regelmaat' (rest, cleanliness, and regularity), but with a soft, empathetic touch. In Dutch nursing and elderly care, 'Stil maar' is frequently used by caregivers to soothe patients with dementia or those who are in pain, reflecting a culture of 'zorgzaamheid' (carefulness). In Flanders, the phrase is also common, but it might be preceded more often by 'Sst' or followed by ' 't is goed'. The sentiment remains identical. Despite the reputation for being blunt, the existence of phrases like 'Stil maar' shows the softer, more 'gezellig' side of Dutch social interaction where intimacy is involved.
The Tone is Everything
If you say 'Stil maar' with a flat or rising intonation, it sounds like a command. Use a falling, soft intonation to make it comforting.
Watch the Hierarchy
Only use this with people you would feel comfortable hugging. It's an intimate phrase.
Significado
Comforting someone.
The Tone is Everything
If you say 'Stil maar' with a flat or rising intonation, it sounds like a command. Use a falling, soft intonation to make it comforting.
Watch the Hierarchy
Only use this with people you would feel comfortable hugging. It's an intimate phrase.
Pair with Diminutives
Dutch people love diminutives. Adding '-tje' to the person's name or a term of endearment makes 'Stil maar' even more effective.
Ponte a prueba
Vul de ontbrekende woorden in om het kind te troosten.
Het kind huilt. De moeder zegt: "____ ____, lieverd, mama is hier."
'Stil maar' is the only comforting option. 'Houd je mond' is rude, and 'Wees stil' is a cold command.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'Stil maar'?
Kies de juiste situatie:
'Stil maar' is for comfort, not for enforcing rules or stopping noise.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: (huilt) Ik heb mijn telefoon laten vallen en het scherm is kapot! B: ________, we kunnen het laten repareren.
While 'Wat erg' (How terrible) is also possible, 'Stil maar' is the best way to start the soothing process.
Welk woord maakt de zin zachter?
Stil ____, alles komt goed.
'Maar' is the specific modal particle used in this expression to provide comfort.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Stil vs. Stil maar
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHet kind huilt. De moeder zegt: "____ ____, lieverd, mama is hier."
'Stil maar' is the only comforting option. 'Houd je mond' is rude, and 'Wees stil' is a cold command.
Kies de juiste situatie:
'Stil maar' is for comfort, not for enforcing rules or stopping noise.
A: (huilt) Ik heb mijn telefoon laten vallen en het scherm is kapot! B: ________, we kunnen het laten repareren.
While 'Wat erg' (How terrible) is also possible, 'Stil maar' is the best way to start the soothing process.
Stil ____, alles komt goed.
'Maar' is the specific modal particle used in this expression to provide comfort.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasAbsolutely not. 'Shut up' is 'Houd je kop' (rude) or 'Houd je mond' (direct). 'Stil maar' is 'Hush now' (kind).
No, it would be considered very unprofessional and patronizing.
It doesn't mean 'but'. It's a particle that softens the tone, making it sound gentle instead of bossy.
Only if it's a child. For an adult stranger, it's better to say 'Gaat het?' (Are you okay?).
No, you say 'Stil maar' to one person or a hundred people.
'Stil eens' is a request for silence so you can hear something (e.g., 'Hush, I hear a bird'). It is not for comforting.
Yes, very often in lullabies and religious hymns like 'Stil maar, wacht maar'.
Usually a sniffle, a 'dank je', or just calming down.
It is equally common in both, though the surrounding words might differ slightly.
Yes, it's perfect for a dog that is whining or scared.
Frases relacionadas
Rustig maar
similarCalm down / Easy now
Het geeft niet
builds onIt doesn't matter / It's okay
Kop op
contrastChin up
Sst
specialized formShh
