σκάσε
skáse/ˈskase/
The English phrase "shut up" can be said in Greek using several forms, most commonly σκάσε (skáse). Wiktionary also lists σκασμός (skasmós) and βούλωσέ το (voúlosé to).
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| σκάσε | skáse | /ˈskase/ |
| σκασμός | skasmós | /skaˈzmos/ |
| βούλωσέ το | voúlosé to | |
| ησυχία informal (isikhía) | ||
| πάψε informal (pápse) |
These expressions are used to command someone to stop talking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase βούλωσέ το is an idiomatic way to say "shut up" and its literal meaning is "plug it" or "block it".
Which one should you use?
The noun σκασμός functions as an interjection to command silence, similar to saying "Silence!" or "Shut up!" While σκάσε is a direct command to be silent, πάψε is a slightly less aggressive way to say "stop it" or "cut it out".
How does it change in a sentence?
σκάσε is the singular imperative used when addressing one person. To address multiple people or to use a formal imperative, use σκάστε. The form σκασμός is a noun used as an interjection.
How do you pronounce it?
skáse is pronounced /ˈskase/.
Did you know?
- The word σκάσε is rooted in the verb σκάω, which means 'to burst' or 'to explode'. It carries the historical energy of someone suddenly bursting out or exploding with sound.
- While ησυχία means 'silence', it is also the root of the word 'hesychasm', a mystical tradition of prayer in the Orthodox Church focusing on inner stillness.
- In Greek culture, the command σκάσε is considered very aggressive and is often accompanied by a sharp hand gesture or a frown to emphasize the anger.
Examples in context
- Σου είπα να σκάσεις.I told you to shut up.This sentence shows how to use the form σκάσε to tell someone they were told to shut up.Tatoeba #3365187 by Zeus, translation #3044121 by Amastan
- Σκασμός! Ο κόσμος προσπαθεί να κοιμηθεί!Shut up! People are trying to sleep!This sentence uses the form σκασμός as an interjection to demand silence.
- Σκάσε πια! Μας έχεις πρήξει το συκώτι με τα ανόητα τραγούδια σου!Shut up already! You've driven us mad with your stupid songs!This sentence uses the form σκάσε to express frustration with someone's behavior.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are arguing in the living room.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓιατί δεν με ακούς ποτέ;Giátí den me akoús poté;Why do you never listen to me?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΣκάσε, Δημήτρη, δεν θέλω να μιλήσω!Skáse, Dimítri, den thélo na milíso!Shut up, Dimitris, I don't want to talk!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑυτό δεν είναι δίκαιο.Aftó den eínai díkaio.That is not fair.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΑπλώς φύγε από το δωμάτιο.Aplós fýge apó to domátio.Just leave the room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations and entries σκάσε, σκασμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ησυχία, σκασμός, το, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
