diam
/ˈdiam/
The English phrase "shut up" is translated into Malay as diam.
The word diam is used to command someone to stop talking. In an informal context, saying Diam! is a common and straightforward way to tell someone to shut up.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Which one should you use?
While diam is used as a command to stop talking, the related word senyap is used to describe a state of silence or a quiet environment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The command Diam! is considered informal, blunt and often rude. Another informal way to express this is through the phrase Tutup mulut!, which literally means "close your mouth".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdiam/
Did you know?
- While diam means 'shut up' as a command, it also means 'to reside' or 'to live' in a certain place when used in different contexts.
- In some Malay dialects, placing the word lah after diam (as in diamlah) can slightly soften the command, making it a plea for silence rather than a blunt order.
- The concept of 'silence' in Malay is often tied to the virtue of modesty, where diam can be a positive trait of a composed person rather than just a command.
Examples in context
- Duduk diam-diam!Shut up and sit down.This sentence demonstrates the use of diam in the context of a command to be quiet and sit down.Tatoeba #9541481 by LeeSooHa, translation #2499064 by Hybrid
- Diam!Shut up
- Tolong diam sekejap.Please be quiet for a moment.
Example conversation
Amir is talking too much while Farah is trying to study.
- FarahAmir, tolong diam.Amir, please shut up.
- AmirMaaf, saya tidak sedar.Sorry, I didn't realize.
- FarahSaya perlu fokus sekarang.I need to focus now.
- AmirBaiklah, saya akan diam.Alright, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations and entries diam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
