Can it Meaning in English
expression
ˈkæn/, /kən/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt
KAN-it, KUHN-it
kˈæn/ /ˈɪt
KAN-it
Definition
An informal way to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet, similar to 'shut up' or 'stop it.' Often used to interrupt or end discussion.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and can sound rude or harsh, so use mostly with friends or in joking contexts. Not appropriate in formal situations. Similar to saying 'shut up', but sometimes softer or more playful depending on tone.
Spanish: ¡Cállate! - ¡Déjalo! (informal)Portuguese (BR): Cala a boca! - Para com isso! (informal)Portuguese (PT): Cala-te! - Pára com isso! (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 闭嘴！- 停下！（非正式）Chinese (Traditional): 閉嘴！- 停下！（非正式）Hindi: चुप रहो! - बंद करो! (अनौपचारिक)Arabic: اخرس! - توقف عن ذلك! (عامية)Bengali: চুপ করো - থামোRussian: заткнись - прекратиJapanese: 黙れ - やめてVietnamese: im lặng đi - thôi điKorean: 조용히 해 - 그만해Turkish: kes sesini - susUrdu: چپ کر جاؤ - بس کروIndonesian: diam - berhenti
Example Sentences
Hey, can it, I’m trying to study!
basic
If you don’t have anything nice to say, just can it.
basic
All right, you two, can it and listen.
basic
Seriously, Tom, can it with those jokes—they're getting old.
natural
If he starts complaining again, just tell him to can it.
natural
Okay, okay, I get it! You don’t have to tell me a hundred times—can it!
natural