How to Say “Shut Up” in Ojibwe

By Anne Marilyn • Updated October 1, 2026

bizaan

The Ojibwe phrase for "shut up" is bizaan.

Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)

Did you know?

Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like bizaan can contain the complexity of an entire English sentence through a system of prefixes and suffixes.
Using this phrase toward an Elder or someone in a position of respect is considered a profound social transgression in Ojibwe culture.
If you were to use bizaan in a storytelling context, it could be used to command an audience to listen, rather than just telling a person to stop talking.

Example conversation

Zhaawan and Nibi are arguing about a game.

Zhaawan

Nibi, bizaan!
Nibi, shut up!
Nibi

Aaniin? Gidamaagoshin!
What? You're the one who's wrong!
Zhaawan

Bizaan, nindaa-giken!
Shut up, I know it!
Nibi

Niizhooniis, gaawiin gindaa-giken.
No way, you don't know.

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About The Author

Anne Marilyn

Boozhoo! I'm Anne, an avid writer and student of the poetic Ojibwe language. My curious nature feeds my passion for linguistics and I love the challenge of digging into dialect variation. Away from my educational pursuits, I find relaxation in exploring nature, seeking out the animals and plants of the Ojibwe words I study. You'll often find me with chocolate in hand, inhaling the scent of cedar and sweetgrass, and waiting to spot my favorite bird - the loon. Forever a believer in 'mino-bimaadiziwin' - the good life, I love to share my linguistic findings in my blog. Miigwech!

Anne MarilynHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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