drž hubu
The Slovak phrase for "shut up" is drž hubu.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb drž (hold/keep) and the noun hubu (mouth, in the accusative case), literally translating to "hold [your] mouth".
Which one should you use?
While drž hubu is a direct command to stop speaking, vypni sa is a more colloquial way to tell someone to "shut it" or "stop it" in a more general sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
drž hubu is highly informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive, similar to the English "shut up". For a more polite approach in a formal setting, you might say Prepáčte, mohli by ste byť ticho? (Excuse me, could you please be quiet?). In less offensive informal situations, you can use Prestaň už! (Stop it already!) or Daj pokoj! (Give it a rest!).
Did you know?
- The word huba used in drž hubu specifically refers to the mouth of an animal. Using it for a human is a deliberate way to dehumanize them or treat them like livestock.
- Using drž hubu in a professional environment in Slovakia is not just considered 'informal', it is often viewed as a direct insult to one's character.
- While drž hubu is rude, adding the word už to create už drž hubu doesn't just mean 'already' but signals that the speaker's patience has completely run out.
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
- Prepáčte, mohli by ste byť ticho?Excuse me, could you please be quiet?
- Len drž hubu a rob.Just shut up and work.
Example conversation
Zuzana and Peter are arguing about a movie.
- ZuzanaTy v tomto filme nevieš nič!You know nothing about this movie!
- PeterTo nie je pravda, pozeral som ho.That is not true, I watched it.
- ZuzanaDrž hubu, už ma nebudi!Shut up, don't annoy me anymore!
- PeterDobre, už nič nehovorím.Fine, I won't say anything else.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
