Significado
Remaining silent.
Contexto cultural
During the partitions and the communist era, 'siedzieć cicho' was a survival strategy to avoid the attention of oppressive regimes. In Polish schools, 'siedzieć cicho' is the standard expectation for students during lessons, and 'ciche siedzenie' is often praised by teachers. There is a common workplace proverb: 'Siedź cicho, a znajdą cię' (Stay quiet, and they will find you), which can be interpreted both as a warning that you can't hide forever or as advice to be patient. Poles often use this phrase to express a lack of desire to participate in 'dramat' (drama) or gossip.
Don't over-use as a command
Telling someone 'Siedź cicho!' is very aggressive. Use it only with close friends in a joking way or with children.
Use it for 'lurking'
You can use this phrase to describe being in a WhatsApp group or Discord server but never posting anything.
Significado
Remaining silent.
Don't over-use as a command
Telling someone 'Siedź cicho!' is very aggressive. Use it only with close friends in a joking way or with children.
Use it for 'lurking'
You can use this phrase to describe being in a WhatsApp group or Discord server but never posting anything.
The 'Myszka' variation
Adding 'jak mysz pod miotłą' makes you sound much more native and adds a touch of humor to your description.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'siedzieć'.
Kiedy szef wszedł do pokoju, wszyscy ______ cicho.
The subject 'wszyscy' (everyone) is masculine personal plural, so 'siedzieli' is the correct past tense form.
Which sentence uses the phrase figuratively to mean 'keeping a secret'?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
In this context, 'siedzieć cicho' means not telling anyone about the plans.
Match the situation with the reason for 'siedzieć cicho'.
Połącz sytuacje:
These are the most logical pairings for using the phrase in these contexts.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Czy powiedziałeś mamie o rozbitym wazonie? B: Nie, na razie ______.
'Siedzę cicho' is the idiomatic way to say you are staying low and not mentioning the incident.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosKiedy szef wszedł do pokoju, wszyscy ______ cicho.
The subject 'wszyscy' (everyone) is masculine personal plural, so 'siedzieli' is the correct past tense form.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
In this context, 'siedzieć cicho' means not telling anyone about the plans.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the most logical pairings for using the phrase in these contexts.
A: Czy powiedziałeś mamie o rozbitym wazonie? B: Nie, na razie ______.
'Siedzę cicho' is the idiomatic way to say you are staying low and not mentioning the incident.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it can be a positive sign of wisdom or discretion, especially when keeping a secret or avoiding an unnecessary argument.
Yes, it's very common to tell a barking dog to 'siedzieć cicho.'
'Milczeć' is a single verb meaning 'to be silent.' 'Siedzieć cicho' is more idiomatic and implies a state of being or a strategy.
For a male: 'Siedziałem cicho.' For a female: 'Siedziałam cicho.'
It's a bit too informal for a formal email. Use 'zachować dyskrecję' instead.
No, you can be standing, walking, or lying down and still 'siedzieć cicho' in the figurative sense.
'Wychylać się' (to stick one's neck out) or 'robić hałas' (to make noise/trouble).
Sometimes, in the sense of 'staying low' and not going out to party, but it's not the primary meaning.
It depends on the tone. It can be a playful 'shut up!' or a serious 'be quiet, we're in trouble.'
Use 'Bądź proszę cicho' or 'Czy możesz być ciszej?'.
Frases relacionadas
Trzymać język za zębami
synonymTo keep a secret.
Nie wychylać się
similarTo not stick one's neck out.
Nabrać wody w usta
similarTo suddenly stop talking about something.
Milczeć jak grób
specialized formTo be silent as a grave.
