How to Say "Shut Up" in Russian

What to Use (and What to Avoid)

Short version: the blunt, rude command is Заткни́сь! (zahtk-NEES'!).

In most real situations, softer phrases work better. Here's a concise map from polite to rude, plus natural alternatives and tiny dialogues.

Quick map (polite → rude)

Извини́те, мо́жно поти́ше? (eez-vee-NEE-teh, MOHZH-nah pah-TEE-sheh?) — "Excuse me, could you be quieter?"
Ти́ше, пожа́луйста. (TEE-sheh, pah-JAH-loos-tah.) — "Quieter, please."
Не перебива́й(те), пожа́луйста. (neh peh-ree-bee-VAI(tyeh), pah-JAH-loos-tah.) — "Don't interrupt, please."
Помолчи́, пожа́луйста. (pah-mahl-CHEE, pah-JAH-loos-tah.) — "Be quiet, please." (firm, still civil)
Замолчи́! (zah-mahl-CHEE!) — "Be quiet!/Shut it!" (sharp)
Заткни́сь! (zahtk-NEES'!) — "Shut up!" (rude)
Закро́й рот! (zahk-ROY rot!) — "Shut your mouth!" (very rude)
💡 Tip: Use the first three in public/professional settings. The last two are confrontational and can escalate things.

Handy alternatives (natural, less drama)

Дава́йте поти́ше. (dah-VI-teh pah-TEE-sheh.) — "Let's keep it down."
Хва́тит, пожа́луйста. (HVAA-teet, pah-JAH-loos-tah.) — "That's enough, please."
Дай(те) договори́ть, пожа́луйста. (DAI(tyeh) dah-gah-vah-REET', pah-JAH-loos-tah.) — "Please let me finish."

Mini-dialogues

📚 Library / office (polite)
Извини́те, мо́жно поти́ше? (eez-vee-NEE-teh, MOHZH-nah pah-TEE-sheh?)
Да, коне́чно, извини́те. (dah, kah-NECH-nah, eez-vee-NEE-teh.)
👥 Friends (firm → rude)
Помолчи́, пожа́луйста. (pah-mahl-CHEE, pah-JAH-loos-tah.)
Ла́дно-ла́дно. (LAHD-nah LAHD-nah.)
(If someone keeps pushing, you might hear Замолчи́! or Заткни́сь! — use with caution.)

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