In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a state of absolute, total quietness.
- Used to add drama or emphasis to a quiet situation.
- Works in both formal writing and casual storytelling.
Meaning
This phrase describes a state of absolute quietness where not a single sound can be heard. It is used to emphasize a heavy, peaceful, or even awkward lack of noise.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a study environment
Eu prefiro estudar no completo silêncio da biblioteca.
I prefer to study in the complete silence of the library.
Walking home late at night
A rua estava no completo silêncio às três da manhã.
The street was in complete silence at three in the morning.
A tense moment in a meeting
Todos ficaram no completo silêncio após a notícia.
Everyone remained in complete silence after the news.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, silence is often used to show respect during a 'minuto de silêncio' (minute of silence).
Word Order
Always put the adjective before the noun for this collocation.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a state of absolute, total quietness.
- Used to add drama or emphasis to a quiet situation.
- Works in both formal writing and casual storytelling.
What It Means
No completo silêncio is your go-to phrase for total quiet. It means there is zero background noise. Think of a library at midnight. Or that awkward moment after a bad joke. It describes a void of sound. It feels more intense than just saying silêncio. It implies a deliberate or striking stillness.
How To Use It
You use it as an adverbial phrase. It usually follows a verb of action or state. For example, you can estudar (study) or esperar (wait) no completo silêncio. It often sits at the end of a sentence. You can also start a sentence with it for dramatic effect. It works perfectly with verbs like ficar, estar, and permanecer.
When To Use It
Use it when the lack of sound is noteworthy. Use it during a tense movie scene. Use it when describing your morning routine before the kids wake up. It is great for professional settings too. A doctor might ask for it during an exam. It is common in literature and storytelling. If you are texting a friend about a ghost story, this is the phrase. It adds a layer of atmosphere to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if there is even a little bit of noise. If the TV is on low, it is not completo. Avoid it in loud, festive environments unless you are being sarcastic. Brazilians are generally loud and expressive. Using this phrase too often might make you sound a bit too serious. If you just want someone to be quiet, just say silêncio. This phrase is for the state of the environment, not a command.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, value social noise. Silence can sometimes feel uncomfortable or 'heavy' in these cultures. When someone mentions completo silêncio, it often signals something serious. It might imply respect, like during a memorial. Or it might imply tension, like a couple fighting. In a culture that loves music and chatter, absolute silence is a rare, powerful thing. It is often associated with peace in nature or deep focus.
Common Variations
You might hear em silêncio absoluto for even more emphasis. People also say num silêncio total. In casual speech, some might just say no maior silêncio. If you want to be poetic, try no silêncio da noite. All of these play with the same idea of 'no noise'. However, no completo silêncio remains the most balanced and common version.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very stable across all dialects of Portuguese. It is safe to use in any context where you want to emphasize the lack of sound.
Word Order
Always put the adjective before the noun for this collocation.
Examples
6Eu prefiro estudar no completo silêncio da biblioteca.
I prefer to study in the complete silence of the library.
Standard use to describe a preference for focus.
A rua estava no completo silêncio às três da manhã.
The street was in complete silence at three in the morning.
Sets a descriptive, atmospheric scene.
Todos ficaram no completo silêncio após a notícia.
Everyone remained in complete silence after the news.
Shows the phrase used to describe a collective reaction.
A festa flopou, estamos aqui no completo silêncio.
The party failed, we are here in complete silence.
Uses the phrase to highlight how boring a situation is.
Se as crianças estão no completo silêncio, algo está errado!
If the kids are in complete silence, something is wrong!
A common joke among parents about kids being up to mischief.
Nós entramos na igreja no completo silêncio.
We entered the church in complete silence.
Reflects solemnity and respect.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
A floresta estava ____.
The preposition 'em' is required for the adverbial phrase.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Used when telling stories to friends.
Tava tudo no completo silêncio.
Standard daily use and news reporting.
A cidade ficou no completo silêncio.
Literature or formal speeches.
Solicitamos que permaneçam no completo silêncio.
Where to use 'No Completo Silêncio'
At the Cinema
Watching the climax of a movie.
During an Exam
When the teacher hands out papers.
In Nature
Standing on top of a mountain.
After an Argument
The awkward car ride home.
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA floresta estava ____.
The preposition 'em' is required for the adverbial phrase.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, you can say 'eles ficaram em completo silêncio'.
Related Phrases
fazer silêncio
similarto be quiet