Translation guide
How to tell someone to be quiet in Japanese, from polite requests to rude commands.
Please be quiet in the library.
Polite but slightly formal, often used by staff or in announcements.
Please be quiet.
Telling a friend or equal to be quiet in a casual way.
Strongly telling someone to shut up, often in anger or frustration.
Forcing someone to stop talking immediately.
Literally 'shut your mouth.' Very aggressive and rude.
Shut your mouth!
Japanese has many ways to say 'shut up,' ranging from polite requests to extremely rude commands. Using the wrong level can cause serious offense. When in doubt, use a polite form like 静かにしてください.
Excuse me, could you please be a little quieter?
うるさい is the most common way to say 'shut up' in casual situations. It literally means 'noisy' but is used as an interjection. 黙れ is a direct command meaning 'shut up' and is much harsher. Use うるさい with friends, but avoid 黙れ unless you intend to be very rude.