adverb HSK 5
silently · quietly · without speaking
Meaning
默默 describes doing something in silence, without drawing attention or making noise. It often conveys a sense of dedication, endurance, or emotional restraint, suggesting someone is working or suffering quietly without complaint or recognition.
Usage
Commonly used to describe people who work diligently behind the scenes, endure hardships without complaining, or express emotions through silent actions rather than words. Often paired with verbs like 工作 (work), 付出 (give/contribute), 忍受 (endure), or 流泪 (shed tears). Carries a tone of admiration or sympathy.
Examples
- 01她默默地为家人付出了很多年。.She has silently sacrificed for her family for many years.
- 02他默默无闻地在这个岗位上工作了二十年。.He has worked in obscurity at this position for twenty years.
Characters
Common collocations
- 默默无闻unknown, unsung, obscure
- 默默付出to contribute silently/selflessly
- 默默地工作to work quietly/diligently
- 默默流泪to shed tears silently
Antonyms
Origin
The character 默 combines 黑 (black) and 犬 (dog), originally suggesting a dog that doesn't bark. The reduplication 默默 intensifies the meaning of silence or quietness.