ruhig
quiet
Describing a state of silence and little background noise; quiet.
EXAMPLE
Wir wohnen in einer sehr ruhigen Straße ohne viel Verkehr.
We live on a very quiet street without much traffic.
ruhig
quiet / calm
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Meanings
ruhig
calm
Describing a state of inner composure and relaxation; not nervous or excited.
EXAMPLE
Auch in stressigen Situationen bleibt sie immer ruhig und konzentriert.
Even in stressful situations, she always stays calm and focused.
ruhig
go ahead
Used as a particle to give permission or encourage someone; means something like 'without hesitation' or 'feel free to'.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst ruhig schon ein Stück Kuchen nehmen, du musst nicht auf uns warten.
You can go ahead and take a piece of cake already; you don't have to wait for us.
ruhig
still
Describing a state with little movement; still.
EXAMPLE
Das Meer war heute spiegelglatt und ganz ruhig.
The sea was mirror-smooth and completely still today.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'ruhig' (quiet/calm) is derived directly from the noun 'die Ruhe' (quiet/calm/rest). When something is 'ruhig', then there is 'Ruhe' there.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche am Abend meine Ruhe, deshalb mag ich ruhige Orte.
I need my peace and quiet in the evening, so I like quiet places.
Adjective or particle
'Ruhig' can be a normal adjective that describes a noun. But it can also be a particle that makes a statement friendlier or signals permission and is not translated literally.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein ruhiges Hotel am Meer.
That is a quiet hotel by the sea.
Fixed collocation
The phrase 'ruhig bleiben' (to stay calm) is very common. It is advice or an instruction not to lose your nerve in a stressful or exciting situation.
EXAMPLE
Auch wenn es schwierig wird, ist es wichtig, ruhig zu bleiben und klar zu denken.
Even when things get difficult, it is important to stay calm and think clearly.
Particle of encouragement
As a particle, 'ruhig' expresses permission or encouragement, similar to 'go ahead' or 'without hesitation'. It usually comes after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Frag ruhig, wenn du etwas nicht verstehst.
Go ahead and ask if you don't understand something.
Compare with
ruhig vs nur
only
Nur can strengthen a friendly invitation or permission without explicitly addressing possible concerns. Ruhig also encourages someone, but especially signals that the action is permitted and there is no reason to worry.
ruhig
Komm ruhig herein, du störst mich nicht.
Go ahead and come in; you aren't disturbing me.
nur
Komm nur herein, ich möchte dir etwas zeigen.
Come in, I want to show you something.
In real life
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