What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ferme la bouche translates to "close the mouth". In this context, French uses definite articles instead of possessive adjectives for body parts.
Which one should you use?
While ferme la bouche is a direct and somewhat aggressive way to command silence, tais-toi is a more common way to tell someone to be quiet. For a highly informal and vulgar colloquial alternative, one might use ferme ta gueule.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use Veuillez fermer la bouche as a formal expression to convey this meaning. The phrase ferme la bouche is an informal way to speak to friends or family. For a very vulgar and slang version, use ferme ta gueule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, some people may use the informal expression ferme ton caquet instead of the vulgar ferme ta gueule.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes to fermez la bouche when you are addressing more than one person or using the formal vous form.
Did you know?
- The vulgar term gueule is used specifically for the mouths of animals, making the phrase ferme ta gueule literally tell a person to shut their animal maw.
- The word bouche comes from the Latin word bucca, which originally referred to the cheek rather than the mouth.
- The word ferme can also mean 'a farm' in French, despite being the same verb used here to mean 'close'.
Examples in context
- Hé, ferme la bouche et écoute ce que je dis!Hey, close your mouth and listen to what I am saying!
- Arrête de parler, ferme ta gueule!Stop talking, shut your mouth!
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are arguing in the living room.
- ManonJe n'ai pas fini de parler, Gabriel.I haven't finished talking, Gabriel.
- GabrielC'est toujours la même chose avec toi.It's always the same thing with you.
- ManonFerme la bouche et laisse-moi terminer !Close your mouth and let me finish!
- GabrielD'accord, je me tais.Alright, I'll be quiet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouche, ferme, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
