馃嚢馃嚜 Swahili phrases

How to Say "Shut up" in Swahili

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Nyamaza
"Shut up" in Swahili 路 say it like nyah-mah-zah

The most natural way to say "Shut up" in Swahili is Nyamaza. 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

Kaa kimya
used in a more formal context or when addressing someone respectfully
Tulia
used in a casual context, often among friends

When to use it

You can use 'nyamaza' when you want someone to stop talking, especially if they are being disruptive. It can be used in both casual and serious situations. Be mindful of your tone, as it can come off as rude if not said gently.

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 Swahili

SwahiliEnglish
Nyamaza, na nisikilize.Shut up and listen to me.
Tafadhali, nyamaza kidogo.Please, shut up for a moment.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'nyamaza' with 'tulia', thinking they are interchangeable, but 'tulia' is more about calming down rather than stopping speech.

The fastest way to remember it

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

Frequently asked questions

Is 'nyamaza' considered rude?

It can be perceived as rude depending on the tone and context, so use it carefully.

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