How to Say Shut Up in Chinese: 8 Easy Ways
Master the art of saying shut up in Chinese: discover 8 easy ways
So, how to say shut up in Chinese.
Let’s face it: sometimes you just want to tell somebody to be quiet.
Whether it’s a nosy relative enquiring about your love life or a street vendor trying to sell you something you simply don’t want, ‘shut up’ is a Mandarin phrase that probably comes to mind more than you think.
If you find yourself wondering how to say be quiet in Chinese or how to say shut up in Mandarin, here’s our guide on how to say shut up in Chinese without making enemies!
What is Shut Up in Chinese?
If you’ve wondered how do you say shut up in Chinese? The honest answer is there are a few ways – some more polite than others!
While there’s not one simple literal translation of the phrase from English to Chinese, there are a few phrases that convey the right sentiment.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to say ‘be quiet’ in Chinese.
How to Say Shut Up in China
- 闭嘴 – Bì zuǐ – Shut up
If you search for how to say shut up in Mandarin, you’ll undoubtedly come across this phrase, which is one of the most common. It’s the most direct translation of the English ‘shut up’ in the Chinese language.
A word of warning, though – it’s definitely seen as rude, just like the English equivalent, so reserve its use for people you know already.
- 住口 – Zhù kǒu – Shut your mouth
This is one of the most common ways of telling someone to ‘shut up,’ which basically translates to ‘shut your mouth.’
With that in mind, it’s definitely not the most polite Chinese phrase to use, so use it with caution and not with your manager at work. It’s fine for use with close friends and family, though.
- 不要吵 – Bú yào chǎo – Keep it down
Bù yào chǎo is one of the more polite ways of telling somebody to shut up in Chinese. If you’re trying to shush a group of tourists chatting in the theater, this is the phrase to use. It’s closer to ‘be quiet’ or ‘keep the noise down’ than ‘shut up.’
- 别吵了– Bié chǎo le – Stop arguing
Unlike bú yào chǎo, “别吵了” (Bié chǎo le) carries a stronger tone and is used to tell people to shut up in Chinese. This phrase is particularly effective when people are engaged in an argument, and you want to put an end to their quarrel, making it clear that you expect them to be quiet.
- 别叫 –Bié jiào – Stop shouting
If you are in a public place that requires a quiet environment, such as a library or a movie theater, and you hear someone shouting or calling someone’s name, ‘bié jiào’ is a useful phrase to remind them to be quiet. Additionally, ‘bié jiào’ can be used in parenting, with parents often using it to instruct their children not to shout or make a fuss at home.
- 别说话 –Bié shuō huà – Stop talking
When a person is in the middle of a conversation, speech, or discussion, but others are not listening and are chatting, it can feel like they are being interrupted. In such a case, ‘Bié shuō huà’ is an appropriate phrase to use to ask them to shut up in Chinese.
- 请安静 – Qǐnɡ ān jìnɡ – Quieten down
Just like bié shuō huà, qǐnɡ ān jìnɡ is a more polite way of telling somebody to shut up. It can be used in classroom settings, personal encounters, and even public settings if you’re willing to come across as a little bossy.
- 闭上嘴巴 – Bì shang zuǐ bā – Shut up!
This phrase isn’t the rudest way to say ‘shut up,’ but its use should be reserved for people you know well. It’s not precisely polite!
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