Ways to say it
| Serbian |
|---|
| začepi! |
| šuti! |
| začepi gubicu! |
| začepi gubec! |
| zaveži! |
| muči! |
These expressions are used to command someone to stop talking.
What does it mean word for word?
The command začepi! literally means "plug it!" or "cork it!", implying that the person should plug their mouth.
Which one should you use?
šuti! is a milder way to say "be quiet!" compared to the more aggressive začepi! The phrase začepi gubicu! is a colloquial, slightly more condescending or childish way to tell someone to shut up.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite way to request silence, use Zamolim vas da se ućutite, which translates to "Please be quiet". If you wish to interrupt someone speaking incessantly, you can use Prekini da pričaš (Stop talking). The command Umukni is a direct way to say "Be quiet" or "Silence".
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are in the imperative singular, which means they are used when addressing one person.
Did you know?
- While šuti! is the standard way to say 'be quiet', the word šutati is also used in sports to describe the act of kicking a ball toward a goal.
- The word muči! functions as a command to shut up, but it shares a root with the word for 'to torment' or 'to suffer'.
- When using začepi gubicu!, the word gubica is a diminutive, making the insult sound more like something a person might say to a child or a pet.
Examples in context
- Zaveži!Shut up!This example shows how to use the command zaveži!Tatoeba #3384104 by neron, translation #462430 by lukaszpp
- Samo začepi!Just shut up!
Example conversation
Luka and Ana are arguing about a movie.
- LukaOvaj film je zapravo odličan.This movie is actually great.
- AnaMa ne budi smešan, užasan je.Don't be funny, it's terrible.
- LukaZačepi! Ja znam šta gledam.Shut up! I know what I'm watching.
- AnaU redu, neću više pričati.Fine, I won't talk anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shut up” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
