drž hubu
The English phrase "shut up" is translated into Slovak as drž hubu.
drž hubu is highly rude and is used to aggressively silence someone.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb drž (hold) and the noun hubu (mouth/maw), meaning "hold [your] mouth".
Which one should you use?
zatvor hubu is a common alternative that uses the verb zatvor (to close) instead of drž (to hold).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more polite or formal situations, you can use Prosím, mlčte. (Please, be silent.) or Mohli by ste sa, prosím, umlčať? (Could you please be quiet?). In informal settings, you might use Ticho! (Quiet!), Prosím ťa, trochu ticha. (Please, a little quiet.), or Zavri pusu. (Shut your mouth.).
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person, the imperative form changes from drž to držte, resulting in držte hubu.
Did you know?
- The word huba refers specifically to the mouth of an animal, such as a pig or a cow. Using it for a person is a deliberate act of dehumanization to make the phrase more insulting.
- Slovak has several distinct words for 'silence' depending on the intent. Ticho refers to the absence of noise, while mlčanie refers to the act of a person choosing not to speak.
- In Slovak, the imperative drž is the same root used for 'holding' a baby or 'keeping' a promise, making the command to 'hold a mouth' a strange collision of care and aggression.
Examples in context
- Drž hubu!Shut up!This example shows how to use the command drž hubu.Tatoeba #13348959 by Adelpa, translation #462430 by lukaszpp
- Drž hubu a počúvaj ma.Shut up and listen to me.
Example conversation
Jakub and Kateřina are arguing during a movie.
- JakubPrestaň hovoriť, všetci sa na nás smiejú.Stop talking, everyone is laughing at us.
- KateřinaJa len hovorím pravdu o tom filme!I'm just telling the truth about the movie!
- JakubDrž hubu a sleduj film.Shut up and watch the movie.
- KateřinaDobre, už nič nepoviem.Fine, I won't say anything else.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
