Meaning
To become or cause to be quiet.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally expressive. Asking for silence is often done with a 'shhh' sound and a hand gesture (finger to lips). In casual settings, people might say 'Fala baixo' (speak low) instead. In Portugal, 'fazer silêncio' is used strictly in formal or semi-formal settings. In schools, it is a very common command from teachers to students. Similar to other Lusophone countries, silence is requested in formal gatherings or during traditional ceremonies as a sign of respect for elders.
Politeness counts
Always add 'por favor' when using this as a command to avoid sounding bossy.
Avoid 'Ser'
Never say 'Eu sou silêncio'. It makes no sense in Portuguese.
Meaning
To become or cause to be quiet.
Politeness counts
Always add 'por favor' when using this as a command to avoid sounding bossy.
Avoid 'Ser'
Never say 'Eu sou silêncio'. It makes no sense in Portuguese.
The 'Shiu' factor
In Brazil, people often just say 'Shiu!' instead of the full phrase in very informal settings.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Na biblioteca, nós precisamos ______ silêncio.
The standard collocation is 'fazer silêncio'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'fazer' in the imperative (formal/você).
Por favor, ______ silêncio durante o teste.
'Faça' is the imperative form for 'você'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'Façam silêncio'?
Hospitals require quiet for patient recovery.
Complete the dialogue.
A: O bebê está dormindo! B: Ah! Eu vou ______.
You should be quiet if a baby is sleeping.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to Fazer Silêncio
Places
- • Biblioteca
- • Hospital
- • Cinema
- • Igreja
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNa biblioteca, nós precisamos ______ silêncio.
The standard collocation is 'fazer silêncio'.
Por favor, ______ silêncio durante o teste.
'Faça' is the imperative form for 'você'.
Where would you most likely hear 'Façam silêncio'?
Hospitals require quiet for patient recovery.
A: O bebê está dormindo! B: Ah! Eu vou ______.
You should be quiet if a baby is sleeping.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is neutral. However, your tone of voice matters. Adding 'por favor' makes it perfectly polite.
Yes. 'Faça silêncio' (singular) or 'Façam silêncio' (plural).
'Fazer' is the act of stopping noise. 'Ficar' is the state of remaining quiet.
'Faz silêncio, querido(a)' is a common way.
Yes, 'Bico fechado' (beak closed) is a common slang for 'stay quiet'.
Usually no. It's just 'fazer silêncio', not 'fazer o silêncio'.
Related Phrases
Ficar em silêncio
similarTo remain silent.
Calar a boca
synonymShut up.
Manter o silêncio
specialized formTo maintain silence.
