How to Say Shut Up in Korean
Learn how to say shut up in Korean. '닥쳐' (dakchyeo) is rude and harsh, while '조용히 해' (joyonghi hae) means 'be quiet'. Pronunciation guide and politeness warnings.
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Quick answer
The blunt, rude way to say 'shut up' in Korean is '닥쳐' (dakchyeo, dak-CHYUH) — it is aggressive and insulting, used only in anger or among very close friends joking around. A much safer, polite alternative is '조용히 하세요' (joyonghi haseyo), meaning 'please be quiet'.
닥쳐
/dak-CHYUH/ — Korean
How to Say Shut Up in Korean
“Shut up” has very different registers in Korean — from a genuinely insulting command to a gentle “please be quiet”. Knowing which is which keeps you out of trouble.
The Blunt Phrase
닥쳐 — pronounced dak-CHYUH
This is the rude, aggressive “shut up”. It is harsh and confrontational, suitable only for anger or for close friends joking around. Avoid it with strangers, elders, or in any formal setting.
Copy the Phrase
The blunt Korean phrase for “shut up” is 닥쳐 (dak-CHYUH). A polite alternative is 조용히 하세요 (joyonghi haseyo, “please be quiet”).
A Politeness Warning
Korean is highly sensitive to social hierarchy, and 닥쳐 is banmal (casual speech) used as a command. Said to an elder, a stranger, or someone of higher status, it is deeply offensive and can provoke a real confrontation. Use the calm, polite alternatives below in almost all real situations.
From Rudest to Politest
| Korean | Romanization | Pronunciation | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 입 닥쳐 | ip dakchyeo | ip dak-CHYUH | Very rude — “shut your mouth” |
| 닥쳐 | dakchyeo | dak-CHYUH | Rude — “shut up” |
| 시끄러워 | sikkeureowo | shi-kkeu-ruh-WUH | ”(You’re) noisy / loud” — irritated |
| 조용히 해 | joyonghi hae | jo-YONG-hee heh | Casual “be quiet” |
| 조용히 하세요 | joyonghi haseyo | jo-YONG-hee ha-SEH-yo | Polite “please be quiet” |
| 쉿 | swit | shwit | ”Shh” — soft, gentle |
Literal Meaning
닥쳐 comes from the verb 닥치다 (dakchida), “to close/shut”. So it literally commands someone to “shut it”, and the fuller 입 닥쳐 (ip dakchyeo) is “shut your mouth” — ip (입) meaning “mouth”. The casual imperative ending makes it abrupt and harsh.
By contrast, 조용히 하다 (joyonghi hada) means “to be/stay quiet” — 조용히 (joyonghi) is “quietly”, a neutral, non-insulting way to ask for silence.
Related Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 조용히 해 주세요 | joyonghi hae juseyo | Please be quiet (polite request) |
| 말 좀 그만해 | mal jom geumanhae | Stop talking (casual) |
| 그만해 | geumanhae | Stop it / enough (casual) |
| 조용 | joyong | ”Quiet!” (clipped, casual) |
| 시끄러 | sikkeureo | ”Noisy!” / “Pipe down!” (casual) |
Pronunciation Tips
- 닥쳐 (dak-chyeo): the first syllable ends in a hard, stopped “k”, and “chyeo” is one syllable, like “chuh” with a quick “y” glide.
- 조용히 (joyonghi): “jo-YONG-hee” — the soft “h” is barely voiced before “hae”.
- The aggressive feel of 닥쳐 comes partly from its short, clipped delivery; the polite forms are spoken more softly and evenly.
Cultural Notes
In Korean media and dramas you will hear 닥쳐 in heated arguments, which is why learners often recognize it. In real life, reaching for the polite 조용히 하세요 or a gentle 쉿 is almost always the right call. Save 닥쳐 for understanding what you hear — not for speaking — unless you are joking with a very close friend who knows you well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say shut up in Korean?
The harsh, rude version is '닥쳐' (dakchyeo, dak-CHYUH), or the slightly longer '입 닥쳐' (ip dakchyeo, 'shut your mouth'). These are offensive and confrontational. To politely tell someone to be quiet, use '조용히 해' (joyonghi hae, casual) or '조용히 하세요' (joyonghi haseyo, polite) instead.
How do you pronounce 닥쳐?
'닥쳐' is pronounced dak-CHYUH. 'Dak' rhymes with 'dock' with a sharp final 'k', and 'chyeo' is a single syllable like 'chuh' with a slight 'y' glide. It is said with a hard, clipped tone, which adds to how aggressive it sounds.
How rude is 닥쳐 in Korean?
Very rude. '닥쳐' is on the level of a sharp 'shut up!' or stronger and is genuinely offensive to a stranger, elder, or anyone you are not extremely close with. Saying it can easily start a fight. Among close friends it can be used jokingly, but it always carries an edge.
What does 닥쳐 literally mean?
'닥쳐' comes from the verb '닥치다' (dakchida), which means 'to close' or 'to shut'. So '닥쳐' is essentially 'shut (it)', and '입 닥쳐' (ip dakchyeo) is literally 'shut your mouth'. It is an imperative said in low, casual (banmal) speech, which makes it even more curt.
What is a polite way to ask someone to be quiet in Korean?
Use '조용히 해 주세요' (joyonghi hae juseyo, 'please be quiet') or just '조용히 하세요' in polite settings, and '조용히 해' (joyonghi hae) casually with friends. In a library or theater you might say '쉿' (swit), the Korean equivalent of 'shh'. These avoid the insult of 닥쳐.