Translation guide
How to express the idea of things becoming quieter or people settling down in Japanese, depending on what is getting quiet and the context.
Describing a situation where noise, activity, or commotion gradually subsides.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become quiet', 'to calm down'. Used for sounds, noise, or a general atmosphere.
夜になって街が静まった。
The town quieted down at night.
嵐が過ぎて、外はすっかり静まった。
After the storm passed, it completely quieted down outside.
Phrase meaning 'to become quiet'. More colloquial and versatile than 静まる.
子供たちが寝て、家の中が静かになった。
The children went to sleep and the house quieted down.
工事が終わって、やっと静かになった。
The construction ended and it finally quieted down.
Similar to 静まる but often implies suppression of something more intense, like pain, turmoil, or a riot. Can be written with the same kana.
騒動が鎮まった。
The disturbance quieted down.
Means 'to settle down', 'to come to an end'. Used for situations, disputes, or commotion returning to a calm state.
騒ぎが収まった。
The commotion quieted down.
When a person or group stops making noise, talking, or being rowdy.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become silent', 'to stop talking'. Focuses on the cessation of speech.
先生が入ってくると、みんな黙った。
When the teacher came in, everyone quieted down.
彼は急に黙ってしまった。
He suddenly quieted down (stopped talking).
Also used for people becoming quiet in terms of noise level.
子供たちが静かになった。
The children quieted down.
Means 'to become quiet/gentle/obedient'. Often used for children or animals settling down.
犬がやっと大人しくなった。
The dog finally quieted down.
Direct commands or requests for silence.
Casual request: 'Be quiet.'
静かにして！
Quiet down!
Polite request: 'Please be quiet.'
図書館では静かにしてください。
Please quiet down in the library.
Blunt command: 'Shut up' or 'Be silent'. Can be rude.
Can sound harsh; use with care.
黙って！
Quiet! (Shut up!)
Formal or polite way to ask for quiet, often used in announcements.
お静かに願います。
Please quiet down.
静まる is a single verb often used in written or slightly formal contexts. 静かになる is a phrase made of the adjective 静か and the verb なる, and is more common in everyday speech. Both mean 'to become quiet', but 静かになる is more versatile and natural for most daily situations.
静める (しずめる) is the transitive form meaning 'to quiet something/someone down'. The intransitive is 静まる. Make sure to use the correct one based on whether there is a direct object.