How to Say "Knock It Off" in Spanish

ya basta

/ˌʝa ˈbasta/

The English phrase 'knock it off' is translated into Spanish as ya basta.

Ya basta is used to demand that someone stop an annoying or disruptive behavior immediately.

Meaning: cease doing something (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of ya (already/now) and basta (is enough), which literally means 'enough already'.

While para is a simple way to say 'stop', ya basta carries a stronger sense of exasperation and finality.

Ya basta is most commonly used in informal or heated situations to express frustration.

This phrase is frequently used with exclamation marks to convey the imperative force of the command.

/ˌʝa ˈbasta/

The word basta shares a root with the Frankish word for 'sewing' or 'weaving'. The idea was that a piece of fabric is 'enough' once it has been stitched to the correct size.
While ya basta is a command, it is also used as a political slogan for social movements to demand an end to systemic injustice or violence.
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ya basta is often accompanied by a sharp gesture of the hand, such as a downward chop or a palm-out 'stop' sign, to emphasize the finality of the command.

Juan, deja de hacer eso ahora mismo.
Juan, stop doing that right now.
¡Carlos, ya basta con tus bromas!
Carlos, enough with your jokes!
¡Miguel, déjale! No tienes por qué molestar a tu hermana así.
Miguel, knock it off! You shouldn't bother your sister like that.
¡Ya basta de ruidos!
Knock off the noise!
¡Ya basta con las bromas!
Stop with the jokes!
¡Ya basta, no me molestes!
Knock it off, don't bother me!

Alejandro is playing loud music while Elena is trying to work.

Elena

Alejandro, ¡ya basta con la música!
Alejandro, knock it off with the music!
Alejandro

Solo estoy escuchando un poco.
I'm just listening to a little bit.
Elena

No puedo concentrarme así.
I can't concentrate like this.
Alejandro

Está bien, lo apagaré.
Okay, I'll turn it off.

Sources

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