hold kjeft
The English phrase "shut up" is translated into Norwegian as hold kjeft. Wiktionary also lists hold tåta and kjeften.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian |
|---|
| hold kjeft |
| hold tåta |
| kjeften |
| kjeft |
| hold munn |
The phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking. It is a blunt and often rude command.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hold kjeft literally means "hold mouth" or "hold jaw".
Which one should you use?
Hold kjeft is a direct and blunt way to say shut up. Hold munn is a slightly less aggressive way to say shut up, though both are still impolite and mean to keep silent.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hold kjeft is an informal, blunt and often rude way to express this command. Hold munn is also informal and impolite, though slightly less aggressive than hold kjeft. For a neutral way to say "be quiet", you would use Vær stille.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the phrase is å holde kjeft.
Did you know?
- While kjeft is used for the command 'shut up', it is also the standard word used to describe the mouth of an animal, such as a dog or a wolf.
- In Norwegian, using the word kjeft can also imply a 'scolding' or a 'reprimand', which is a completely different context from the physical body part.
- The word kjeft has roots in the Old Norse word 'kjaptr', which originally related to something that snaps or bites.
Examples in context
- Jeg skal holde kjeft nå.I'm going to shut up now.This sentence shows how to use the word kjeft in a statement about oneself.Tatoeba #10943469 by Mayk, translation #3324369 by Hybrid
- Hald kjeft og lat meg tenkja.Shut up and let me think.This sentence demonstrates using kjeft in a command to let someone think.Tatoeba #12493033 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #1096368 by CK
- Hold kjeft, Albert, teorien din suger.Shut up, Albert, your theory sucks.This sentence shows the direct use of hold kjeft as a rude command.Tatoeba #2978156 by eirik174, translation #2978151 by al_ex_an_der
- Kan du være så snill å holde kjeft?Could you please shut up?
- Jeg vil gjerne at du holder munn nåI would appreciate it if you could shut up now
- Kunne du vært så snill og tiet litt?Could you please be silent for a moment?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing loudly while playing a game.
- IngridHold kjeft, Jakob!Shut up, Jakob!
- JakobDu er så irriterende.You are so annoying.
- IngridJeg prøver bare å spille.I am just trying to play.
- JakobGreit, jeg skal være stille.Fine, I will be quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hold, kjeft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
