Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chiudi la bocca | ||
| stai zitto | ||
| state zitti | ||
| silenzio | /siˈlɛn.t͡sjo/ | |
| zitto | /ˈd͡zit.to/ /ˈt͡sit.to/ |
informal, singular |
The phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking. The most common way to do this in an informal and often rude manner is by saying stai zitto.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase chiudi la bocca literally means "close your mouth".
Which one should you use?
While stai zitto is a direct command addressed to a specific person, silenzio is a more general command for silence and is often used by teachers or in formal settings to command quiet. For a colloquial effect similar to the English "shut your trap", you can use chiudere il becco.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Stai zitto is an informal way to say "be quiet" and is commonly used among friends or siblings. The form chiudere il becco is colloquial. In more formal settings, such as a classroom, a teacher might use the general command silenzio.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a female, the adjective 'zitto' changes to the feminine form stai zitta. To tell a group of people to shut up, use the plural form state zitti.
Did you know?
- The word bocca in chiudi la bocca comes from the Latin bucca, which originally referred to a swollen cheek rather than the mouth itself.
- Depending on the tone, zitto can be used affectionately with children or pets, whereas in an adult context it is almost always perceived as rude or aggressive.
- To emphasize a command for silence, Italians often accompany the phrase zitto with a finger pressed vertically against the lips, a gesture recognized globally but deeply ingrained in Italian social cues.
Examples in context
- Io non starò zitto.I won't shut up.This sentence shows the use of the form zitto in a negative context.Tatoeba #2559573 by Guybrush88, translation #2549540 by CK
- Sta' zitto e ascolta.Shut up and listen.This sentence shows how to use zitto as part of a command.Tatoeba #1545921 by Guybrush88, translation #1543624 by CK
- Stai zitto e baciami!Shut up and kiss me!This sentence demonstrates the use of stai zitto within a command.Tatoeba #2173773 by Guybrush88, translation #2173753 by Hybrid
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing in a busy cafe.
- ChiaraMa chiudi la bocca per un secondo!But shut your mouth for one second!
- AlessandroPerché sono sempre io quello sbagliato?Why am I always the one in the wrong?
- ChiaraPerché non smetti di lamentarti!Because you won't stop complaining!
- AlessandroVa bene, non dico più nulla.Fine, I won't say anything more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations and entries silenzio, zitto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bocca, la, state, zitto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
