Signification
Be quiet.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value their 'private space' and silence. Telling someone to 'holde kjeft' is a major breach of social etiquette, but it's also a sign of extreme honesty. The 'Nordlending' (Northern Norwegian) is famous for using 'hold kjeft' as a comma. It's often used with a wink and is less offensive than in Oslo. Influenced by American media, young Norwegians use 'Hold kjeft!' to mean 'No way!' or 'That's crazy!', stripping away the original aggressive meaning. Norway has a very flat hierarchy. Even so, 'hold kjeft' is considered unprofessional. You would use 'Jeg er uenig' (I disagree) instead.
Use with Caution
This is a high-risk phrase. Only use it with people you know very well or when you are prepared for a conflict.
The Disbelief Trick
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Hold kjeft!' when a friend tells you something amazing. It shows you understand the nuances of the language.
Signification
Be quiet.
Use with Caution
This is a high-risk phrase. Only use it with people you know very well or when you are prepared for a conflict.
The Disbelief Trick
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Hold kjeft!' when a friend tells you something amazing. It shows you understand the nuances of the language.
Regional Differences
If you are in Northern Norway, don't be too offended if you hear this; it's often just part of the local dialect's flavor.
The 'Munn' Alternative
If you want to be firm but not rude, use 'Hold munn' instead. It's safer for A1 learners.
Teste-toi
Which phrase is most appropriate when you are shocked by good news from a friend?
Venn: 'Jeg vant 1 million kroner!' Deg: '_______!'
In this context, 'Hold kjeft' expresses disbelief and excitement.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'å holde'.
I går _______ jeg kjeft hele dagen.
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so the past tense 'holdt' is required.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Vær stille. 2. Hold kjeft!
'Vær stille' is polite/formal, 'Hold kjeft' is aggressive/informal.
Fill in the missing word in this dialogue about a secret.
A: Kan du love å ikke si det til noen? B: Ja, jeg skal holde _______.
The idiom 'å holde kjeft' is the most natural way to promise to keep a secret in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to say 'Be Quiet'
Polite
- • Vær stille
- • Vennligst ti
- • Dempe seg
Neutral
- • Hold munn
- • Ti stille
Rude/Slang
- • Hold kjeft
- • Klapp igjen
- • Hold smella
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVenn: 'Jeg vant 1 million kroner!' Deg: '_______!'
In this context, 'Hold kjeft' expresses disbelief and excitement.
I går _______ jeg kjeft hele dagen.
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so the past tense 'holdt' is required.
1. Vær stille. 2. Hold kjeft!
'Vær stille' is polite/formal, 'Hold kjeft' is aggressive/informal.
A: Kan du love å ikke si det til noen? B: Ja, jeg skal holde _______.
The idiom 'å holde kjeft' is the most natural way to promise to keep a secret in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly, but it is considered 'stygt språk' (ugly language). It's a vulgarism, not a profanity.
Some parents do when very frustrated, but it's generally considered poor parenting in Norway. 'Vær stille' is preferred.
'Kjeft' is an animal's jaw (rude), 'munn' is a human mouth (neutral/firm).
You say 'Hold kjeft om det'.
Yes, among very close friends, it's often used ironically or jokingly.
No, the command 'Hold kjeft!' is the same whether you are talking to one person or a group.
It's a way of saying 'I can't believe it!', similar to the English 'Shut up!'.
'Unnskyld, kan dere være litt stillere?' (Excuse me, can you be a bit quieter?)
Yes, 'å få kjeft' means 'to get a scolding'.
Absolutely not. It would be considered extremely unprofessional.
Expressions liées
å holde munn
similarTo be quiet
å ti stille
synonymTo be silent
å holde tett
specialized formTo keep a secret
klapp igjen
slangShut it
ikke en kjeft
builds onNobody at all
