ceceka
The English phrase "shut up" is translated into Kinyarwanda as ceceka.
The phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ceceka is informal and can be perceived as rude or blunt depending on the tone and context.
How does it change in a sentence?
ceceka is an imperative verb used to command someone to be quiet.
Did you know?
- If you wish to request silence from an elder, you might skip the command entirely and instead use words that ask for 'mercy' or 'calm' to remain respectful.
- While 'shut up' feels like a rude outburst in English, ceceka can also function as a personality descriptor for a person who is naturally reserved or quiet.
- The root of the verb relates to the concept of 'stillness' or 'quietness' rather than just the physical act of closing one's mouth. This makes the phrase more about the absence of sound than the suppression of speech.
Examples in context
- Ceceka uyu mwanya.Shut up for a moment.
Example conversation
Alice and Eric are trying to listen to a secret conversation.
- AliceEric, ceceka!Eric, shut up!
- EricKuki? Ntabwo navugaga.Why? I wasn't speaking.
- AliceUrahuza amajwi menshi.You are making too much noise.
- EricSawa, ndaceceka.Okay, I'll shut up.
