Signification
Shutting one's mouth
Contexte culturel
People in Dalmatia are known for being very direct and loud. 'Zatvori usta' might be said with a laugh among friends, but the local word 'Muči' is even more common. In the capital, people might use 'Zatvori usta' less frequently in public, preferring more 'refined' ways to ask for silence, though it remains common in private. There is a common belief that 'a fly won't enter a closed mouth' (U zatvorena usta muha ne ulazi), meaning it's better to stay quiet to avoid trouble. On Croatian social media, the emoji 🤐 is often used as a shorthand for 'Zatvoriti usta' when discussing gossip or spoilers.
Tone Matters
If you say this with a smile, it's a joke. If you say it with a frown, it's a fight. Be careful with your facial expressions!
The 'Vi' Trap
Even if you use the polite 'Zatvorite usta', it is still usually rude. Politeness in grammar doesn't always mean politeness in social context.
Signification
Shutting one's mouth
Tone Matters
If you say this with a smile, it's a joke. If you say it with a frown, it's a fight. Be careful with your facial expressions!
The 'Vi' Trap
Even if you use the polite 'Zatvorite usta', it is still usually rude. Politeness in grammar doesn't always mean politeness in social context.
The Secret Rule
When someone tells you 'Zatvori usta o ovome', they are testing your loyalty. In Croatia, keeping a secret is a big deal for friendships.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'zatvoriti'.
Marko, ______ usta dok jedeš!
Since the speaker is addressing Marko (informal, singular), 'zatvori' is the correct imperative form.
Which sentence is a polite way to ask for silence?
How do you ask a stranger to be quiet?
'Zatvori usta' and 'Zatvorite usta' are too aggressive for a stranger.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Ana: 'Imam veliku tajnu o šefu.' Ivan: 'Dobro, ali ______ ako želiš ostati na poslu.'
In the context of a secret and keeping a job, 'zatvori usta' (keep quiet) is the logical choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Zatvorite usta' to the most likely speaker.
A dentist uses this as a literal instruction during a procedure.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Aggression Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarko, ______ usta dok jedeš!
Since the speaker is addressing Marko (informal, singular), 'zatvori' is the correct imperative form.
How do you ask a stranger to be quiet?
'Zatvori usta' and 'Zatvorite usta' are too aggressive for a stranger.
Ana: 'Imam veliku tajnu o šefu.' Ivan: 'Dobro, ali ______ ako želiš ostati na poslu.'
In the context of a secret and keeping a job, 'zatvori usta' (keep quiet) is the logical choice.
Match 'Zatvorite usta' to the most likely speaker.
A dentist uses this as a literal instruction during a procedure.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in its figurative sense, it is the direct equivalent of 'Shut up'.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal and aggressive for a professional setting.
It is a linguistic quirk of Croatian (pluralia tantum). Think of it like 'pants' or 'scissors' in English.
You can say 'Molim te, budi tiho' (Please be quiet).
No, it also literally means to close your mouth, like at the dentist or when eating.
Yes, 'Začepi' is the most common slang version.
You say 'Zatvorio je usta'.
Only if you want to get in trouble! It's usually parents who say it to children.
Yes, many Croatian pop and rock songs use it to express frustration or secrecy.
You can say 'Zatvori usta o tome' or 'Drži jezik za zubima'.
Expressions liées
Začepiti usta
similarTo plug one's mouth
Držati jezik za zubima
similarTo keep the tongue behind the teeth
Umuknuti
synonymTo fall silent
Otvoriti usta
contrastTo open one's mouth
Šutnja je zlato
builds onSilence is gold
