תסתום את הפה
tistom et ha'pe
The English phrase "shut your mouth" is translated into Hebrew as תסתום את הפה (tistom et ha'pe).
תסתום את הפה is a rude command used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "shut the mouth".
Which one should you use?
The informal expression תסגור את הפה (meaning "close your mouth") is also commonly used among friends to say "shut your mouth" in Hebrew.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
תסתום את הפה is highly informal and is considered rude or aggressive in most social contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The command changes depending on whom you are addressing: use תסתמי את הפה when speaking to a female, and use תסתמו את הפה when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
tistom et ha'pe
Did you know?
- The verb סתום used in this phrase can also describe a physical blockage, such as a 'clogged' sink or a 'plugged' nose.
- In Hebrew, the word for 'mouth' פה is also used in a completely different way to describe a 'doorway' or the 'opening' of a cave.
- The word את in this phrase is a unique grammatical marker called an accusative particle, which has no direct equivalent in English.
Examples in context
- אתה שומע, סגור את הפה שלך ותתרכז.Hey, shut your mouth and focus.
- תסתום את הפה עכשיו!tistom et ha-pe achshav!Shut your mouth now!
- תסתום את הפה, אני מנסה לעבוד.tistom et ha-pe, ani menase la'avod.Shut your mouth, I am trying to work.
- פשוט תסתום את הפה.pashut tistom et ha-pe.Just shut your mouth.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two friends.
- איתי Itayאני חושב שאתה טועה לגמרי.Ani khoshev she-ata to'e legamre.I think you are completely wrong.
- נועה Noaתסתום את הפה, איתי!Tistom et ha-peh, Itai!Shut your mouth, Itai!
- איתי Itayלמה את צועקת עליי?Lama at tzo'eket alay?Why are you shouting at me?
- נועה Noaכי נמאס לי לשמוע אותך.Ki nim'as li lishmo'a otkha.Because I'm tired of hearing you.
