馃嚝馃嚪 French phrases

How to Say "Shut up" in French

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Tais-toi
"Shut up" in French 路 say it like teh-twah

The most natural way to say "Shut up" in French is Tais-toi. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Ferme-la
more casual and can be considered rude
Silence
more formal, often used in public settings

When to use it

You can use 'tais-toi' when you want someone to stop talking. It is informal and can be used among friends or in casual situations. Be cautious, as it can sound rude if used in a formal context.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Shut up" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in French

FrenchEnglish
Tais-toi, je n'arrive pas 脿 me concentrer.Shut up, I can't concentrate.
Common mistake
Learners often use 'tais-toi' in formal situations, which can come off as disrespectful.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Tais-toi, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking French with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'tais-toi' rude?

Yes, it can be considered impolite depending on the context.

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