If you’ve ever wanted to say “shut up” in Egyptian Arabic, then today is the post for you.
Learning a language is all about practicing. But sometimes you just need to tell somebody to be quiet!
We’ve done lists of ten in the past, including 10 ways to greet people in Egyptian Arabic and 10 ways to say “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic.
But today we aren’t being so nice! 🙂
Whatever your reason, knowing how to say shut up in Egyptian Arabic will make you sound more fluent. In the right situation, you’ll also get Egyptians to laugh. And that’s always a good thing!
Today, Cleo Lingo is explaining…10 ways to say “shut up” in Egyptian Arabic.
So what do I mean by “the normal ways?”
From a non-native perspective, these are the ones I hear the most often.
1. Eskot.
.اسكت
Literally means: Shut up.
How to use it: Very basic way to say shut up. It means stop talking. While the nature of the phrase “shut up” isn’t usually polite, this one can be if used properly with the right attitude!
2. Ekhras.
.اخرس
Literally means: Shut up.
How to use it: This is the more aggressive / mean way to say “shut up.” While eskot can be used in a funny way, ekhras is much more serious.
3. E2fel bo2ak.
.اقفل بقك
Literally means: Close your mouth,
How to use it: Very straightforward and unfriendly.
Same thing as the first section.
These ways of saying “shut up” in Egyptian Arabic aren’t necessarily “weird”, but they are more creative!
4. Na2tna besokatak.
.نقطنا بسكاتك
Literally means: Bless us with your silence (approximately). Na2tna is usually used when someone is giving out money, so it’s more or less “be generous and provide us with your silence.”
How to use it: This version of “shut up” in Egyptian Arabic is advanced. It’s basically like the “really fluent version” of the phrase. We guarantee your friends will be impressed if you use this with them.
5. Ebla3 re2ak.
.ابلع ريقك
Literally means: Swallow your saliva.
How to use it: A very indirect way to say shut up or talk less/slow down. This is quite sarcastic, and a great example of Egyptian humor.
6. Ehda shwya.
.اهدا شوية
Literally means: Calm down a bit.
How to use it: This is often use to mean “shut up” or “lower your voice.” It’s also used in different situations when you really mean “calm down” or “just relax.”
7. Ana batklm.
.انا بتكلم
Literally means: I’m talking.
How to use it: Use it with the right attitude when somebody is interrupting you. Look them in the eye and put your foot down!
8. Mesh 3ayz asma3 sotak.
.مش عايز اسمع صوتك
Literally means: I don’t want to hear your voice.
How to use it: While this sounds mean, it can also be used in a funny way.
These two are my personal favorites!
9. Ektem.
.اكتم
Literally means: Mute it / hold it. This could be also used in ektem nafasak (“hold your breath”).
How to use it: You are frustrated about a friend that talks so much that you literally can’t say a word.
10. Kefaya raghy.
.كفاية رغي
Literally means: Enough talking. The word raghy basically means “meaningless chatter.”
How to use it: Pretty self-explantory here. Somebody is talking too much!
When are we starting our work? : hanbda2 elshoghl emta?
هنبدأ الشغل امتى؟
Now. : dlwa2ti
.دلوقتي
Who is joining? : meen gai?
مين جاي؟
The rest of the team. : ba2i el fare2
.باقي الفريق
Are you sure? I feel like they don’t want to! : enta mot2aked? ana 7ases enhom mesh 3ayzen.
.انت متأكد؟ انا حاسس انهم مش جايين
Enough talking and lets start working! : kefaya raghy w yala nebda2 shoghl.
.كفاية رغي ويلا نبدأ شغل
Egyptian culture is one based off of social interaction, and Egyptian body language shows it.
Talking is huge here.
Because of that, saying any form of “shut up” above, while not wrong, is also not so common.
Egyptians are more likely to just talk louder / move their hands more aggressively to make their point.
That said, “shut up” does have its time and place.
Like if your best Egyptian friend is just talking too much! 🙂
…
Happy learning,
Cleo Lingo
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