Learning how to say shut up in French can be useful — but you should know when and how to use it politely! The most common phrase is “Tais-toi” (pronounced teh-twah), which literally means Be quiet. It’s often used between friends, family, or in playful situations.
However, in French, tone and context matter a lot. Some phrases sound rude, while others are softer and more casual. Knowing the difference helps you sound natural without offending anyone. Whether you’re joking with friends or calming a noisy crowd, you’ll know exactly which phrase fits best. Let’s explore the most common ways to say shut up in French, from polite to strong.
Say Shut Up in French with Examples
Let’s explore 15 different ways to say “shut up” in French, complete with real-life dialogue and where these phrases come from.
🗣️ 15 Ways to Say Shut Up in French
| No. | French Phrase | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tais-toi ! | Shut up! (informal, common) |
| 2 | Taisez-vous ! | Be quiet! (formal or plural) |
| 3 | Ferme-la ! | Shut your mouth! (rude if serious) |
| 4 | Chut ! | Shh! (used to hush someone softly) |
| 5 | Silence ! | Silence! (used in schools or meetings) |
| 6 | Ferme ton clapet ! | Zip it! (playful or joking tone) |
| 7 | Ferme ta bouche ! | Close your mouth! (very direct) |
| 8 | Du calme ! | Calm down! (used to ease tension) |
| 9 | Arrête de parler ! | Stop talking! |
| 10 | Un peu de silence, s’il te plaît. | A little quiet, please. |
| 11 | Sois silencieux. | Be quiet. (polite) |
| 12 | On se tait ! | Let’s be quiet! |
| 13 | Pas un mot ! | Not a word! (strict tone) |
| 14 | Gardez le silence. | Keep silent. (formal) |
| 15 | Zippe-la ! | Zip it! (modern slang, casual) |
1. Tais-toi (Be quiet)
Origin:
One of the most standard and grammatically correct ways to say “shut up.” It comes from the verb se taire (to be silent).
Example:
👤 User A: Tais-toi, s’il te plaît. Le film a déjà commencé.
👤 User B: D’accord, désolé.
Use: Neutral, polite but firm; good in formal or classroom settings.
2. Ta gueule (Shut your trap)
Origin:
Literally means “shut your mouth” with a rough edge. Gueule is slang for “mouth” (usually used for animals), so this is vulgar and aggressive.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu racontes n’importe quoi !
👤 User B: Ta gueule, j’en ai marre !
Use: Very rude; used in fights or strong arguments.
3. Ferme-la (Shut it)
Origin:
Short for Ferme la bouche (Close your mouth). It’s a direct and impolite command.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu parles trop !
👤 User B: Ferme-la, un peu.
Use: Informal and rude.
4. La ferme (Shut it / Zip it)
Origin:
Literally “the farm” but idiomatically used to mean “Shut it!” Origin unclear, possibly humorous or sarcastic.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu critiques encore ?
👤 User B: La ferme !
Use: Very casual, blunt; commonly used by kids and teens.
5. Chut ! (Shhh!)
Origin:
The French version of “Shhh!”—an onomatopoeia used to hush people.
Example:
👤 User A: Et donc, je lui ai dit—
👤 User B: Chut ! On est à la bibliothèque.
Use: Soft, non-verbal; suitable in public places.
6. Silence ! (Silence!)
Origin:
Used exactly as in English. Often heard in schools or public announcements.
Example:
👤 User A: Blah blah blah—
👤 User B: Silence ! Le professeur arrive.
Use: Formal, commanding; used by teachers or officials.
7. Arrête de parler (Stop talking)
Origin:
Literally means “Stop talking.” Not offensive, just a clear command.
Example:
👤 User A: Je pense que—
👤 User B: Arrête de parler. Écoute un peu.
Use: Polite but stern.
8. Tu peux te taire ? (Can you be quiet?)
Origin:
A softer form of “shut up,” phrased as a question for politeness.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu connais la dernière blague ?
👤 User B: Tu peux te taire ? Je lis.
Use: Polite but pointed.
9. Ferme ton clapet (Shut your gob)
Origin:
Clapet refers to a valve or flap—slang for the mouth. Old-school and a bit humorous.
Example:
👤 User A: T’es toujours en train de râler !
👤 User B: Ferme ton clapet !
Use: Colloquial, slightly humorous.
10. Boucle-la (Zip it)
Origin:
From the verb boucler (to fasten or buckle). Similar to “zip it” in English.
Example:
👤 User A: Je vais te dire une autre chose…
👤 User B: Boucle-la !
Use: Blunt and informal.
11. Sois silencieux / silencieuse (Be quiet – formal)
Origin:
A grammatically correct and respectful way to request silence.
Example:
👤 User A: J’ai une question sur…
👤 User B: Sois silencieux, s’il te plaît. Le conférencier parle.
Use: Formal and polite.
12. On se tait ? (Shall we be quiet?)
Origin:
A softer, collective way of suggesting quietness.
Example:
👤 User A: Bla bla bla…
👤 User B: On se tait ? Merci.
Use: Group setting; polite and diplomatic.
13. Un peu de silence, s’il vous plaît (A little silence, please)
Origin:
Common in announcements or group gatherings.
Example:
👤 User A: Je pense que—
👤 User B: Un peu de silence, s’il vous plaît. On commence.
Use: Formal, respectful.
14. Zip ! (Zipped!)
Origin:
Borrowed from English, used humorously, like zipping one’s lips.
Example:
👤 User A: Attends, j’ai pas fini—
👤 User B: Zip ! On passe à autre chose.
Use: Playful, informal.
15. Mets-la en veilleuse (Put it on dim mode)
Origin:
A clever idiom that means “Dim it down” or “Lower your voice.” Refers to dimming lights (veilleuse = nightlight).
Example:
👤 User A: J’ai encore envie de parler !
👤 User B: Mets-la en veilleuse, sérieux.
Use: Idiomatic, sarcastic, often humorous.
Use wisely!
FAQs:
Q1. What is the most common way to say shut up in French?
A1. The most common phrase is “Tais-toi”, which means Be quiet or Shut up.
Q2. Is “Tais-toi” rude in French?
A2. It can sound rude depending on tone. Among friends, it’s fine; in formal situations, it’s better to avoid.
Q3. What’s a polite way to tell someone to be quiet in French?
A3. You can say “Silence, s’il vous plaît” (Silence, please) — it sounds much more polite.
Q4. How do you say “shut up” jokingly in French?
A4. You can use “Ferme-la” with close friends, but only if the mood is light and playful.
Q5. What’s a formal way to ask for quiet in French?
A5. Use “Veuillez garder le silence”, often used in schools, libraries, or official places.
Q6. How do kids usually say “shut up” in French?
A6. Kids often say “Chut!”, which means “Shh!” — it’s softer and common among young speakers.
Q7. Can “tais-toi” be used with anyone?
A7. No, only with people you know well or in informal situations. It’s too direct for strangers or superiors.
Q8. What’s a funny way to say shut up in French?
A8. You can jokingly say “Zip it!” as “Ferme ton clapet!” — it’s humorous but still informal.
Q9. How do you say “Please be quiet” in French?
A9. Say “S’il te plaît, sois silencieux” (Please, be quiet).
Q10. What’s the difference between “tais-toi” and “taisez-vous”?
A10. “Tais-toi” is informal (used with friends), while “Taisez-vous” is formal (used with groups or politely).
Conclusion:
How to Say Shut Up in French isn’t just about learning a phrase—it’s about understanding tone, context, and culture. From polite options like “tais-toi” to harsher ones like “ta gueule,” each expression has its place (and its risks).
Use these phrases wisely and always consider your relationship with the person and the situation you’re in.
A little cultural sensitivity goes a long way—especially in a language as expressive as French.
