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How to Say ‘Shut up!’ in Italian

Stai zitto!

STAH-ee TSEET-toh

[STAH-ee TSEET-toh]

💬 Usage Tip: zitto changes to match the person you're addressing: stai zitta to a woman, state zitti to a group.

🇮🇹 In Italy: It's blunt and rude outside of close joking. A softer option is fai silenzio "be quiet".

Phrase Breakdown

Stai

[STAH-ee]

stay / be

Imperative of 'stare', telling someone to remain in a state.

Example

Stai tranquillo.

Stay calm.

zitto

[TSEET-toh]

quiet / silent

Adjective meaning silent; used bluntly to mean 'shut up'.

Example

Il bambino è zitto.

The child is quiet.

Guides for Italian learners

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