dákẹ́
The Yoruba phrase for "shut up" is dákẹ́.
The phrase dákẹ́ is used both to request silence and as a sharp command to stop someone from speaking.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word dákẹ́ is composed of the verb 'dákẹ́', which literally means to be silent or to keep quiet.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form dákẹ́ is a direct command and can be perceived as blunt or rude depending on the tone and context.
Did you know?
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say dákẹ́ can completely change the meaning of the word from a command for silence to something else entirely.
- While English speakers might use 'shut up' to express disbelief or shock, using dákẹ́ in this way in Yoruba would be seen as a literal, often aggressive command to cease all noise.
- While dákẹ́ is blunt, Yoruba culture often prefers 'proverbial' or indirect speech to avoid conflict, making the directness of this phrase particularly shocking in formal settings.
Example conversation
Olumide and Morenike are arguing in a room.
- OlumideMorenike, dákẹ́!Morenike, shut up!
- MorenikeKí ló dé Olumide?What is wrong, Olumide?
- OlumideO sọ̀rọ̀ púpọ̀ jù.You are talking too much.
- MorenikeÓ dára, n ó dákẹ́.Fine, I will shut up.
