Butt in Meaning in English
expression
ˈbət/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
BUHT-in
bˈʌt/ /ˈɪn
BUT-in
Definition
To interrupt a conversation or activity, usually without being asked or when it is considered rude.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and mildly negative; suggests annoyance or rudeness. Common collocations: 'butt in on a conversation', 'sorry to butt in'. Not the same as 'cut in' (which is more neutral or used for lines/dances). Usually about speech, not physical interruption.
Spanish: interrumpir - meterse (en una conversación)Portuguese (BR): interromper - meter-se (em uma conversa)Portuguese (PT): interromper - intrometer-se (numa conversa)Chinese (Simplified): 插嘴 - 插手（在对话中）Chinese (Traditional): 插嘴 - 插手（在對話中）Hindi: बीच में टोकना - दखल देनाArabic: يتدخل - يقاطع (في محادثة)Bengali: دخل দেওয়া - আলাপের মাঝে কথা বলাRussian: вмешиваться - встревать (в разговор)Japanese: 口を挟む - 割り込む (会話などに)Vietnamese: chen ngang - xen vào (cuộc trò chuyện)Korean: 끼어들다 - 말참견하다Turkish: laf arasına girmek - sözünü kesmekUrdu: بات میں دخل دینا - گفتگو میں مداخلت کرناIndonesian: menyela - memotong pembicaraan
Example Sentences
Please don't butt in while I'm talking.
basic
It's rude to butt in on someone else's conversation.
basic
He always tries to butt in during meetings.
basic
Sorry to butt in, but I have something to add.
natural
I wish my little brother wouldn't butt in every time I'm on the phone.
natural
The teacher told us not to butt in when others are speaking.
natural