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How to Say ‘Shut up’ in French

Ferme ta gueule

ferm tah guhl

[ferm tah guhl]

🇫🇷 In France: Very rude because [gueule] is a coarse word for someone's mouth. Much harsher than just telling someone to be quiet.

Phrase Breakdown

Ferme

[ferm]

shut

Imperative of fermer, meaning shut or close.

Example

Ferme ta gueule est beaucoup plus vulgaire que tais-toi.

Shut your mouth is much more vulgar than be quiet.

ta

[tah]

your

Possessive adjective meaning your.

Example

Dans ferme ta gueule, ta veut dire your.

In shut your mouth, ta means your.

gueule

[guhl]

mouth / trap

Literally mouth or muzzle; in insults it is rude and harsh.

Example

Il a crié ferme ta gueule pendant la dispute.

He shouted shut your mouth during the argument.

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