Ways to say it
| Bosnian |
|---|
| začepi! |
| šuti! |
| začepi gubicu! |
| začepi gubec! |
| zaveži! |
| muči! |
These phrases are used to tell someone to stop talking. While some forms are blunt and rude, others are more neutral or colloquial.
What does it mean word for word?
The command začepi! is derived from the verb 'začepiti', which literally means to plug, cork or block a hole.
Which one should you use?
začepi! is a harsh and rude way to say "shut up", whereas šuti! is a more neutral way to tell someone to be quiet. The phrase začepi gubicu! uses a diminutive form of the word for mouth to create a mocking or condescending tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The forms range from blunt to formal. začepi! and začepi gubicu! are rude or condescending. šuti! is neutral, and muči! is a colloquial, blunt way to tell someone to stop making noise or talking. For a formal way to ask for silence, you should use the phrase Molim Vas da se suzdržite od razgovora (Please refrain from talking). Other informal expressions include Ćuti (Be quiet) and Zatvori usta (Shut your mouth).
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided are in the second-person singular imperative mood, used when addressing one person informally.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'shut up' can be used as an expression of surprise, Bosnian phrases like šuti! or začepi! are almost exclusively used as commands for silence and never to express disbelief.
- The word muči! is closely related to the concept of 'suffering' or 'torment' in some Slavic contexts. Telling someone to muči! can imply that their talking is a form of torture for the listener.
- The expression zaveži! literally translates to 'tie it up', suggesting that one should 'tie' their mouth shut like a parcel.
Examples in context
- Ćuti, molim te!Be quiet, please!
- Zatvori usta, molim te!Shut your mouth, please!
- Samo začepi!Just shut up!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
