hör auf zu beißen
To say "stop biting" in German, use hör auf zu beißen.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone or an animal to cease using their teeth to grip or wound.
Which one should you use?
If the action is light, such as a small child or a small animal nibbling rather than biting, hör auf zu knabbern is a more precise alternative. For a direct command to not bite, you can also use the informal Bite nicht! or Lass das Beißen sein!
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person or animal, use hört auf zu beißen instead of the singular hör auf zu beißen.
Did you know?
- The phrase beißen is often used in German to describe the 'bite' or sharp acidity of a strong flavor, such as vinegar or garlic, which 'bites' the tongue.
- The verb beißen shares a common ancestor with the English word 'bite', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰéydt, which originally meant 'to split'.
Examples in context
- Hör auf zu beißen, Max!Stop biting, Max!
- Bitte hör auf zu beißen, das tut weh.Please stop biting, that hurts.
- Hör auf zu beißen, du kleiner Hund!Stop biting, you little dog!
Example conversation
Laura is trying to hold her small puppy while Felix watches.
- LauraHör auf zu beißen!Stop biting!
- FelixIst er etwa aggressiv?Is he being aggressive?
- LauraNein, er spielt nur.No, he is just playing.
- FelixEr ist wirklich sehr verspielt.He is really very playful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, beißen, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
