Meaning
沉默 describes a state of not speaking or making sound, often deliberately or thoughtfully. It can refer to a person being quiet, the act of remaining silent, or the absence of sound in a situation. The word carries a more serious or contemplative tone than simple quietness.
Usage
沉默 often implies intentional or meaningful silence rather than just absence of noise. It's commonly used to describe someone who chooses not to speak in response to a question or situation, or to characterize a quiet, reserved personality. Native speakers often use it in formal contexts or when describing emotional or tense situations where silence is notable.
Examples
- 01面对记者的提问，他选择了沉默。, .Facing the reporter's questions, he chose to remain silent.
- 02她是一个沉默寡言的人，很少主动说话。, .She is a taciturn person who rarely speaks up on her own.
Characters
Common collocations
- 保持沉默to remain silent, to keep silent
- 沉默寡言taciturn, of few words
- 打破沉默to break the silence
- 沉默是金silence is golden
Antonyms
Origin
The character 沉 originally meant 'to sink' (with the water radical 氵), suggesting something heavy or deep. 默 contains the 'dog' radical 犬 and 'black' 黑, traditionally associated with quiet darkness. Together they create the sense of 'sinking into quietness' or 'deep silence.'