Bedeutung
To stop talking or shut one's mouth.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Serbia, telling someone 'Zatvori usta' can be a prelude to a physical fight if said with the wrong tone. It is a direct challenge to someone's dignity. Montenegrin culture values 'čojstvo' (protecting others from yourself). Silencing oneself is often seen as a sign of great strength and character. In diaspora communities, this phrase is often used half-jokingly among friends to maintain a connection to their 'tough' roots. During a Slava, it is considered very rude to 'zatvoriti usta' (be silent) as a guest; you are expected to participate in the lively conversation and toasts.
Tone Matters
If you say this too loudly, it's an insult. If you whisper it, it's a secret.
Use with 'Molim te'
Adding 'molim te' (please) makes it much less aggressive, though still direct.
Bedeutung
To stop talking or shut one's mouth.
Tone Matters
If you say this too loudly, it's an insult. If you whisper it, it's a secret.
Use with 'Molim te'
Adding 'molim te' (please) makes it much less aggressive, though still direct.
The 'Fly' Joke
If someone has their mouth open, Serbs often say 'Zatvori usta, uleteće ti muva' (Close your mouth, a fly will fly in).
Grammar Hack
Remember 'usta' is plural. Think of it as 'lips' to remember the plural agreement.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form of the phrase for a command.
Kada želiš da neko prestane da priča, kažeš mu:
'Zatvori' is the imperative form, and 'usta' is the correct plural tantum form.
Fill in the missing word.
Zubar je rekao: 'Molim Vas, ________ usta.'
The dentist uses the polite/plural form 'zatvorite'.
Match the situation with the appropriate phrase.
Situations and Phrases
All pairs are correct examples of how the phrase adapts to context.
Complete the dialogue.
Marko: 'Hoćeš li reći šefu za moj problem?' Jovan: 'Ne brini, ________.'
Jovan is promising to keep a secret in the future.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Politeness Levels
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenKada želiš da neko prestane da priča, kažeš mu:
'Zatvori' is the imperative form, and 'usta' is the correct plural tantum form.
Zubar je rekao: 'Molim Vas, ________ usta.'
The dentist uses the polite/plural form 'zatvorite'.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
All pairs are correct examples of how the phrase adapts to context.
Marko: 'Hoćeš li reći šefu za moj problem?' Jovan: 'Ne brini, ________.'
Jovan is promising to keep a secret in the future.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, it is very similar in intensity. Use it only with people you know well or in an argument.
Only if you are telling someone to close their mouth while chewing. Don't use it to ask for quiet.
Use 'Molim te, budi malo tiši' (Please be a bit quieter).
It's a linguistic tradition in Slavic languages; the mouth is seen as a collection of parts (lips, teeth, etc.).
It's grammatically correct but sounds like a literal translation from English. Just say 'Zatvori usta'.
Yes, 'Začepi' is a very common and ruder slang version.
You can say 'Zatvorio sam usta' or 'Jezik za zube'.
Absolutely not. It would be considered grounds for a serious reprimand.
Yes, doctors and dentists use it as a standard instruction.
It describes someone who talks constantly (a chatterbox).
Constantly, especially in crime dramas and comedies.
Yes, parents use it frequently for manners or to stop them from crying.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Umukni
synonymShut up
Jezik za zube
similarKeep a secret
Zanemeti
builds onTo become speechless
Brbljati
contrastTo babble/chatter
Začepiti
specialized formTo plug up
