dún do bhéal
The Irish phrase for "shut your mouth" is dún do bhéal.
This phrase is an impolite way to tell someone to stop talking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb dún (shut/close), the possessive adjective do (your) and the noun bheál (mouth).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
dún do bhéal is considered rude and is used in informal or confrontational settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the singular imperative form of the verb dún, which is used when addressing one person informally.
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word dún to mean a 'fortress', you would be using the exact same spelling as the verb used to command someone to shut up.
- The word bheál is a cognate of the Latin word os and the English word 'oral', sharing a common Indo-European ancestor.
- While dún do bhéal is rude, Irish speakers often use the word tost to request 'silence' in a more formal or spiritual context, such as in a church.
Examples in context
- Dún do bhéal!Shut your mouth!
- Dún do bhéal agus éist liom.Shut your mouth and listen to me.
- Dún do bhéal, tá mé ar stuim.Shut your mouth, I am annoyed.
