aamus
The Somali phrase for "shut up" is aamus.
The phrase is used to command someone to stop talking. While it can simply mean "be quiet," using it as a command to shut up is quite blunt.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Which one should you use?
The form aamus is the standard imperative, but when you are addressing a single person directly and forcefully, you should use aamusow.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using aamus to tell someone to shut up is considered blunt and informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
aamus is an imperative used to command someone to be quiet.
Did you know?
- In many Somali regions, telling an elder to aamus is not just rude but is seen as a profound social transgression equivalent to a physical insult.
- When you use aamusow to tell someone to shut up, the suffix -ow turns 'silence' into a vocational address, as if you are calling the person by the name 'Silence'.
- While aamus is a blunt command, the related word aamusnaan refers to a meditative and peaceful silence that is prized in Somali poetry.
Examples in context
- Aamus!Shut up!
- Aamus, waxaan rabaa inaan seexdo.Shut up, I want to sleep.
Example conversation
Two people are arguing in a room.
- AbdirashidNimco, fadlan aamus!Nimco, please shut up!
- NimcoMaxaad iigu sheegaysaa inaan aamuso?Why are you telling me to shut up?
- AbdirashidSababtoo ah waxaad hadlaysaa wax khaldan.Because you are saying something wrong.
- NimcoAniguba ma rabo inaan wax maqlo.I don't want to hear anything either.
