沉默

• Pinyin: chén mò
• Hanzi breakdown: 沉 = 氵(water) + 冘 (phonetic), meaning to sink; 默 = 黑 (black) + 犬 (dog), meaning silent

Meaning

Silent; to remain silent. The state of not speaking or making sound, often due to thought, sadness, or reluctance.

Can describe both a temporary state (choosing not to speak in a moment) and a personality trait (being a quiet, reserved person). Often implies emotional depth — silence due to contemplation, grief, or disagreement rather than simply having nothing to say.

Examples

1. 听到这个消息以后，他一直沉默不说话。 After hearing this news, he remained silent and didn't speak.
2. 她是一个沉默寡言的人，很少主动跟人聊天。 She is a quiet and reserved person who rarely chats with people on her own initiative.
3. 面对记者的提问，他选择了沉默。 Facing the reporter's questions, he chose to remain silent.

Usage Guide

Context: emotional, social, everyday

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 他沉默了一会儿才回答。(He was silent for a moment before answering.)
• 沉默并不代表同意。(Silence does not mean agreement.)

Don't Say

• 图书馆里很沉默 (For quiet environments, use 安静, not 沉默 — 沉默 describes a person's deliberate silence, not ambient quietness)

Origin & History

沉 means to sink; 默 means silent or quiet. Together they evoke the image of silence sinking in deeply.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal