заќути
zaḱuti
The English phrase "shut up" is translated into Macedonian as заќути (zaḱuti).
заќути is used to tell someone to stop talking. Because it is a blunt command, it can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone of voice used.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form заќути is informal. For a more formal or polite way to address a group or an individual formally, you should use заќутете.
How does it change in a sentence?
заќути is the singular imperative form used when addressing one person. The form заќутете is the plural or polite imperative form. The form заќутиш is the second-person singular present indicative, which is commonly used in questions such as Може ли да заќутиш? (Can you shut up?).
How do you pronounce it?
zaḱuti
Did you know?
- The root of заќути is related to the word ќутлив, which describes a person who is naturally quiet, taciturn or shy.
- In many Balkan cultures, including Macedonia, pointing at your own lips while saying заќути can make the command feel even more aggressive and confrontational.
- To soften the blow of заќути, Macedonians often add the word де at the end, which acts as a conversational filler to make the command sound more like a plea or a nudge.
Examples in context
- Може ли да заќутиш?Shut up, will you?This sentence shows how to use заќути in a questioning tone.Tatoeba #4326960 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2891844 by CK
- Треба да заќутиш.You need to shut up.This sentence shows how to use заќути to express a necessity.Tatoeba #4380006 by Lepotdeterre, translation #3818953 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marija and Ivan are arguing in a room.
- Марија MarijaЈас само сакам да кажам дека…Jas samo sakam da kazham deka…I just want to say that…
- Иван IvanЗаќути, не сакам да слушам!Zakjuti, ne sakam da slusham!Shut up, I don't want to listen!
- Марија MarijaЗошто си толку груб, Иван?Zoshto si tolku grub, Ivan?Why are you so rude, Ivan?
- Иван IvanБидејќи веќе претера!Bidejki vezhe pretera!Because you've already gone too far!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
