Signification
To stop talking or keep a secret
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Asal Bapak Senang' (As long as the boss is happy) often involves 'tutup mulut' regarding mistakes or inefficiencies to maintain a positive facade. In Javanese culture, 'tutup mulut' is linked to 'andhap asor' (humility). Sometimes staying silent is seen as more powerful than speaking. Batak culture is known for being more direct and loud. In this context, 'tutup mulut' might be said more bluntly during a debate. Young people use 'tutup mulut' ironically when they are about to share a huge piece of gossip, saying 'Aku nggak bisa tutup mulut nih!' (I can't keep this in!).
Avoid with Elders
Never say 'tutup mulut' to someone older than you. It is considered very rude.
Use for Secrets
It's the perfect phrase to use when you want to sound like a local while sharing gossip.
Signification
To stop talking or keep a secret
Avoid with Elders
Never say 'tutup mulut' to someone older than you. It is considered very rude.
Use for Secrets
It's the perfect phrase to use when you want to sound like a local while sharing gossip.
The 'Uang' Connection
If you hear 'uang' before 'tutup mulut', someone is talking about a bribe!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Jangan beritahu siapa-siapa, kamu harus ______.
To keep a secret, you use 'tutup mulut'. 'Tutup pintu' means close the door.
Which situation is appropriate for 'uang tutup mulut'?
Seorang saksi dibayar agar tidak bicara di pengadilan.
'Uang tutup mulut' refers to hush money given to someone to keep them silent.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Budi, kamu berisik sekali!' | B: 'Maaf, aku akan ______.'
Budi is being noisy, so he promises to be quiet (tutup mulut).
Match the phrase to the tone.
Tutup mulut kamu!
Using 'tutup mulut' as a direct command with 'kamu' is usually angry or rude.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJangan beritahu siapa-siapa, kamu harus ______.
To keep a secret, you use 'tutup mulut'. 'Tutup pintu' means close the door.
Seorang saksi dibayar agar tidak bicara di pengadilan.
'Uang tutup mulut' refers to hush money given to someone to keep them silent.
A: 'Budi, kamu berisik sekali!' | B: 'Maaf, aku akan ______.'
Budi is being noisy, so he promises to be quiet (tutup mulut).
Tutup mulut kamu!
Using 'tutup mulut' as a direct command with 'kamu' is usually angry or rude.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always. Between close friends, it can be neutral or even playful when talking about secrets. However, as a command to stop talking, it is usually blunt.
'Diam' is a general word for 'quiet' or 'still'. 'Tutup mulut' specifically refers to the act of not speaking or keeping a secret.
No. In a professional setting, use more formal language like 'menjaga kerahasiaan' (maintaining confidentiality).
You can say 'Tolong jangan dibicarakan dulu ya' (Please don't talk about it yet).
It means hush money—money paid to someone so they don't reveal a secret or testify against someone.
Yes, 'Mingkem' is a Javanese-slang version often used in informal Indonesian to mean 'shut your mouth'.
No, for a door you just use 'tutup pintu'. 'Mulut' only refers to the mouth.
Yes, many Indonesian pop and rock songs use 'tutup mulut' to describe heartbreak or being silenced by a partner.
Slightly, because it's a full verb, but the core meaning remains the same. It's better to use different words entirely for politeness.
'Buka mulut' (open mouth), which can mean to start talking or to reveal a secret.
Expressions liées
Uang tutup mulut
specialized formHush money
Diam seribu bahasa
similarCompletely silent
Bungkam
synonymTo be silenced
Kunci mulut
builds onTo lock the mouth
Jaga lisan
similarGuard your speech
