Shoo off Meaning in English
expression
ˈʃu/ /ˈɔf
SHOO AWF
ʃˈuː/ /ˈɒf
SHOO OF
Definition
To make someone or something leave, usually by waving your hand or making a sound, as if chasing away animals or people you do not want near.
Usage & Nuances
'Shoo off' is informal, often used with animals (like birds or cats), but can also refer to people in a dismissive or impatient way. Commonly paired with 'kids', 'animals', and spoken commands. Not appropriate in formal writing or polite contexts.
Spanish: ahuyentar - espantarPortuguese (BR): enxotar - espantarPortuguese (PT): enxotar - afugentarChinese (Simplified): 赶走 - 赶开Chinese (Traditional): 趕走 - 趕開Hindi: भगानाArabic: طرد (بسرعة/بإيماءة)Bengali: তাড়িয়ে দেওয়াRussian: прогонять - гнать прочьJapanese: 追い払うVietnamese: đuổi điKorean: 쫓아내다 - 내쫓다Turkish: kovalamak - defetmekUrdu: بھگا دیناIndonesian: xua đi - đuổi đi
Example Sentences
I tried to shoo off the birds from my window.
basic
The old man shooed off the stray cat.
basic
Please shoo off the children from the garden.
basic
She waved her hand to shoo off the mosquitoes.
natural
The teacher had to shoo off some chatty students lingering after class.
natural
Don’t just shoo off your friends when they need help.
natural