Breakdown of Unterlassen Sie es gefälligst, so laut zu rascheln!
es
it
Sie
you (formal)
laut
loud, loudly
so
so, such (intensifier)
zu
to (infinitive marker)
gefälligst
damn well
unterlassen
to refrain from
rascheln
to rustle
Questions & Answers about Unterlassen Sie es gefälligst, so laut zu rascheln!
How does the word gefälligst change the tone of this command?
gefälligst is a modal particle used to express extreme annoyance or impatience. Even though the sentence uses the polite Sie form, adding gefälligst turns the request into an aggressive demand, similar to saying 'damn well' or a heavily sarcastic 'kindly' in English.
Why is the word es needed right before gefälligst?
The es acts as a placeholder for the action that is being forbidden. Because the verb unterlassen requires a direct object, es fills that role in the main clause and points ahead to the infinitive phrase so laut zu rascheln, which explains exactly what must be stopped.
Is unterlassen a separable verb?
No, unterlassen is inseparable. If it were separable, the imperative form would split the verb and put the prefix at the end. Because the prefix unter- is unstressed here, it stays firmly attached to the verb root.
Could I just say hören Sie auf instead of unterlassen Sie es?
Yes, hören Sie gefälligst auf, so laut zu rascheln would mean almost the exact same thing. The verb unterlassen is a bit more formal. Using it alongside the angry particle gefälligst creates a sharp contrast, making the speaker sound like a very annoyed authority figure.
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