Knowing how to say “shut up” in French can be surprisingly useful—not just to silence someone, but to understand conversations in films, street slang, or heated debates.
Whether you’re watching a French movie, navigating a tense moment, or simply want to tell someone to hush in a less rude way, the French language offers a wide range of expressions—some polite, some playful, and some downright fierce.
Let’s explore 15 different ways to say “shut up” in French, complete with real-life dialogue and where these phrases come from.
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!
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.
Want to learn more everyday phrases? Check out our guide on How to Say Hello in French and start your conversations the right way!
