چپ شه
chup sha
The English phrase "shush" can be translated into Pashto as چپ شه (chup sha).
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word چپ means "quiet" or "silent".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form چپ شه is an informal command used with friends, children or people of lower status. The expression چپه is a common informal expression that implies someone should be silent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form چپ شه is the singular imperative. To address a female specifically, one uses چپ شې. To tell a group of people to be quiet, or to use a polite/formal tone, use چپ شئ.
How do you pronounce it?
chup sha
Did you know?
- Within the code of Pashtunwali, using the command چپ شه to an elder is not just impolite but is considered a severe breach of etiquette and a direct insult.
- Using the formal version چپ شئ toward a single person during an argument can be used as a form of 'cold' sarcasm to mock their authority.
- While چپ شه is the standard way to say 'shush', using the more poetic word خاموش implies a deeper, more absolute or spiritual silence.
Examples in context
- چپ شه.chap sha.Be quiet.
- مه خبرې کوه، چپ شه.ma khabare kawa, chap sha.Don't talk, be quiet.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are in a library.
- عمر Omarمریم، چپ شه!Maryam, chap sha!Maryam, be quiet!
- مریم Maryamبښنه غواړم، زه فراموش کړم.Bakhshana ghwāram, za farāmūsh kram.I'm sorry, I forgot.
- عمر Omarدلته خبرې کول منع دي.Delta khabare kawal mana dee.Talking is forbidden here.
- مریم Maryamسمه ده، زه چپ شوم.Sama da, za chap shūm.Okay, I am quiet now.
