haltu kjafti
The phrase "shut up" in Icelandic is translated as haltu kjafti.
haltu kjafti is used to command someone to stop talking.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Which one should you use?
The phrase Hættu að babla! can be used to mean "Stop babbling!", specifically when someone is talking excessively.
Did you know?
- In Icelandic, calling someone a kjaftasmiður describes a person who is a 'mouth-smith', or a professional gossip.
- The word kjafti literally refers to the lower jaw or the mouth of an animal. Using it for a human implies that the person is behaving like an animal.
- While 'shut up' in English can be used playfully among friends, haltu kjafti is almost always perceived as rude or aggressive in Iceland.
Examples in context
- Haltu kjafti og hlustaðu!Shut up and listen!This sentence is useful for practicing how to command someone to be quiet and listen using haltu kjafti.Tatoeba #1324713 by Swift, translation #323684 by CK
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing during a movie.
- JónHaltu kjafti, ég heyri ekki fimmtu!Shut up, I can't hear the movie!
- GuðrúnÉg var bara að spyrja um eitthvað.I was just asking about something.
- JónSvo geturðu spurt eftir kvikmyndina.Then you can ask after the movie.
- GuðrúnHaltu kjafti þú líka, Jón!Shut up too, Jón!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
