Can't stand the constant chatter of French students doing a cultural exchange in your city? Are you visiting Paris and someone is bothering you? Don't worry: the French language is full of colorful phrases to invite someone who is bothering you to gently shut up. There are expressions that are courteous and polite, but also foul-mouthed and offensive, so knowing several of them will ensure you have the answer ready at every opportunity.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Less Polite Sentences
Step 1. To invite someone to shut up, say 'Tais-toi, which is pronounced something like this:
"tea-tuà". It means "Shut up!" or "Shut up!".
As with the other sentences in this section, it is an expression that can be considered rude based on how it is used. Tais-toi is not particularly offensive, but not very polite either. If you use it in an angry tone or address it to an authority figure such as a parent, teacher or boss, it can be considered a real insult
Step 2. Alternatively, say 'Taisez-vous, which is pronounced something like this:
"tesè-vu". It means "Shut up!".
- This is another mildly rude expression for inviting someone to shut up. As with the previous sentence, this too can be used amicably in some contexts. However, if you say it hostile or to a person you should respect, it can be rude.
- Since this phrase contains the pronoun vous, it can also be used when addressing a group of people, not just when calling someone her.
Step 3. Say Ferme ta bouche, which is pronounced something like this:
"ferm ta busc". This is a rude phrase to ask someone to shut up. It means: "Shut your mouth."
This phrase is almost always considered rude. The only context in which you can use it ironically is in a playful exchange with a friend or family member
Step 4. Say Ta gueule to invite someone to shut up in an unkind manner
If you're not afraid of being offensive, you could use this explicit (but effective) phrase to ask someone to shut up. It is pronounced more or less like this: "ta gul".
Be careful with this sentence. In practice it is the most explicit expression there is to invite someone to keep quiet. You may hear it in a group of friends, but don't use it when you need to behave politely.
Method 2 of 2: More Educated Alternatives
Step 1. Use Taisez-vous, s'il vous plaît to ask someone to kindly shut up
It is pronounced more or less like this: "tesè vu, sil vu plè". It means "Please shut up".
- Also in this case you can see the formal pronoun vous, to be used when addressing an important or older person. It can also be used to address a group of people.
- If you want to tell a person close to you, such as a friend or family member, you could use the expression Tais-toi, s'il te plaît, which is pronounced more or less like this: "tea-tuà, sil t plè ". In this case, the informal pronoun tu is used.
Step 2. To invite someone to be silent, use the expression Silence, s'il vous plaît, which is pronounced something like this:
"Silans, sil vu plè". The word silence contains the nasal sound "en", which requires some practice for a non-native speaker.
This expression is useful for all those situations in which you would use the word "silence" in Italian. For example, if you are a teacher and are trying to get the attention of a group of students so that you can start explaining a topic, you can use this phrase
Step 3. To ask someone to be quiet, use the phrase:
S'il vous plaît soyez quiet. This is another semi-polite expression that is pronounced more or less like this: "sil vu plè, suaiè tranchil". It means: "Please rest assured".
In French, the sound of the r is a bit complex for non-native speakers. It is a very delicate sound, which is emitted by pushing the tongue back towards the throat. It looks a bit like r fly and takes practice. Check out this guide to find out more
Step 4. If a person is too agitated, use the phrase Calmez-vous, s'il vous plaît, which is pronounced something like this:
"calmè vu, sil vu plè". It means: "Please calm down".
This phrase is useful for those who want to invite someone to be less boisterous, but want to avoid asking directly. For example, if you are in a restaurant and are concerned about being kicked out because a friend of yours is making a scene, you might try this expression
Advice
- You can make the sentences in the first section more rude by adding insults and swear words in French. They weren't listed in this article, but you can find a full list here.
- Literally the word gueule refers to the jaws of an animal. In this context it can be used to refer to the mouth of a human being in a derogatory sense. Therefore, try not to use it unless you want to get into trouble.
