What does it mean word for word?
口 (kuchi) means "mouth". The particle を (o) marks 口 as the direct object of the verb 閉じなさい (tojinasai).
Which one should you use?
While 口を閉じなさい is a literal way to say "shut your mouth", other forms are used depending on the desired tone. 黙れ is a common, blunt and aggressive way to say "shut up". 黙って is a concise and informal way to say "be quiet", and うるさいな is a casual expression used to express annoyance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
口を閉じなさい sounds like a stern command from an authority figure, such as a teacher or parent, rather than a common street-level insult. For a polite and formal way to ask someone to remain silent, use お黙りください. In contrast, 黙れ is considered informal and rude and 黙って and うるさいな are informal expressions.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 口を閉じなさい, the particle を (o) marks 口 (mouth) as the direct object of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
kuchi o tojinasai
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, saying 黙れ (damare) is so aggressive that it is rarely heard in real life and is much more common as a dramatic trope in anime and manga.
- While 口 means 'mouth', it is also used in Japanese to describe an entrance or an opening, such as the 'mouth' of a bottle or the 'mouth' of a tunnel.
- While 口 means 'mouth', using it in a command can sound strangely clinical or robotic, as if you are instructing someone to physically close a mechanical part rather than telling them to be quiet.
Examples in context
- 口を閉じなさい。Shut your mouth.This sentence is useful for practicing the command 口を閉じなさい.Tatoeba #173909 by bunbuku, translation #240561 by CK
- 黙って！Shut up!
Example conversation
A father is scolding his daughter for arguing.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、もう口を閉じなさい。Misaki, mō kuchi o tojinasai.Misaki, shut your mouth now.
- 美咲 Misakiでも、私は正しいです！Demo, watashi wa tadashii desu!But I am right!
- 蓮 Ren言い訳はいいから静かにしなさい。Iiwake wa ii kara shizuka ni shinasai.Enough excuses, just be quiet.
- 美咲 Misakiわかりました。Wakarimashita.I understand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
