заткнись, малец
zatknis', malets
The English phrase "shut up, kid" is translated into Russian as заткнись, малец (zatknis', malets).
This phrase is a rude command used to tell a child or a younger person to stop talking.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb заткнись is the imperative singular form of заткнуться, which literally means "to plug oneself" (similar to plugging a hole or one's ears). The word малец refers to a child.
Which one should you use?
While малец refers to a child, using it within this specific command makes the entire phrase sound condescending or patronizing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal and carries a rude and dismissive tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words in the phrase заткнись, малец are in the singular form, addressing only one person.
How do you pronounce it?
zatknis', malets
Did you know?
- While заткнись is the most common way to say 'shut up', a more extreme version is заткнись наглухо, which implies sealing the mouth 'airtight' or 'completely'.
- In Russian, the word малец can be used as a term of endearment for a young boy in a grandfatherly way, making its use in this rude phrase a deliberate subversion of affection.
- A common non-verbal gesture that accompanies a command like заткнись is a quick motion of the hand moving across the mouth from side to side.
Examples in context
- Заткнись, малец, я пытаюсь работать.Zatknis', malets, ya pytayus' rabotat'.Shut up, kid, I'm trying to work.
- Заткнись, малец, и иди домой.Zatknis', malets, i idi domoy.Shut up, kid, and go home.
- Просто заткнись, малец, ты мне надоел.Prosto zatknis', malets, ty mne nadoyel.Just shut up, kid, you're annoying me.
Example conversation
A neighbor is arguing with a boy in the hallway.
- Дмитрий DmitryЗаткнись, малец, ты слишком громко кричишь!Zatknis', malets, ty slishkom gromko krichish'!Shut up, kid, you're shouting too loudly!
- Ольга OlgaДмитрий, не будь к нему так груб.Dmitriy, ne bud' k nemu tak grub.Dmitry, don't be so rude to him.
- Дмитрий DmitryОн совершенно меня не слушает.On sosverzhenno menya ne slushayet.He doesn't listen to me at all.
- Ольга OlgaПопробуй поговорить с ним спокойно.Poprobuy pogovorit' s nim spokoyno.Try to talk to him calmly.
