tapuni lou gutu
The English phrase "shut your mouth" is translated into Samoan as tapuni lou gutu.
This phrase is used as a rude command to tell someone to stop talking immediately.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tapuni (to be closed/shut), lou (your) and gutu (mouth).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tapuni lou gutu is highly informal and is considered a rude, aggressive command.
How does it change in a sentence?
Replacing the possessive lou (your) with the article le (the) to create tapuni le gutu makes the command slightly less personal, though it remains a blunt imperative.
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might say 'shut up' to a friend jokingly, saying tapuni lou gutu in a Samoan village setting could trigger a serious confrontation involving extended family members.
- The word tapuni can also be used to describe the closing of a shop or a business, meaning the phrase literally uses the language of 'closing for business' to silence a person.
- In formal Samoan oratory, known as lauga, there are highly sophisticated ways to ask someone to stop speaking that avoid the bluntness of tapuni entirely.
Examples in context
- Tapuni lou gutu nei lava.Shut your mouth right now.
Example conversation
Losa and Tau are arguing about a broken vase.
- LosaE tei le fia tautala Tau!You still want to talk, Tau!
- TauAe na o oe na…But it was you who…
- LosaTapuni lou gutu!Shut your mouth!
- TauO le fa'alavelave lava!What a nuisance!
