famatkilu
The English phrase "shut up" is translated as famatkilu in Chamorro.
famatkilu is used as an interjection to command someone to stop talking.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Did you know?
- Chamorro is an Austronesian language, meaning the root of the command famatkilu shares distant ancestral links with languages spoken in the Philippines and Indonesia rather than the Spanish influences found in other parts of the vocabulary.
- While English speakers might use 'shut up' to express disbelief or shock, using famatkilu in this way in the Mariana Islands would likely be seen as genuinely rude or aggressive.
- The word famatkilu is not just a command to be quiet, but a way to demand someone 'close' their mouth or 'seal' their speech.
Example conversation
Maria and Antonio are arguing during a game.
- MariaFamatkilu, Antonio!Shut up, Antonio!
- AntonioHåga muna!You first!
- MariaHåga guma'o!No, you!
- AntonioHåga, kåno!Fine, you win!
