沉默 — meaning in English: silence

chénmò · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for silence

自由裁量权

zìyóu cáiliáng quán

和平

hépíng

该程序

gāi chéngxù

沉默

chénmò

峰会

fēnghuì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 沉默 (chénmò) in both personal and professional settings. For instance, during a tense negotiation, a participant might fall into沉默 to emphasize their unwillingness to concede. In casual conversations, it can describe the awkward silence that follows an uncomfortable question among friends.

Synonyms & nuances

沉默 (chénmò) is often used to describe a more contemplative or profound silence, while 静 (jìng) refers more generally to quietness. You might choose 沉默 to convey deeper emotional weight or tension, while 静 could be used when simply describing a quiet environment.

Culture

The character 沉 (chén) means 'to sink' while 默 (mò) signifies 'to be silent' or 'to remain quiet', together evoking the idea of a silence that is deep and profound. In Chinese culture, silence is often seen as a form of respect or a way to reflect, especially in Confucian thought, where contemplation and thoughtfulness are valued virtues.

FAQ

Q.What does 沉默 mean in Mandarin?

沉默 (chénmò) means 'silence' in Mandarin. It denotes a state of being quiet or not speaking, often with an underlying emotional context.

Q.How do you use 沉默 in a sentence?

You can use 沉默 in a sentence like this: '在会议上，他选择了沉默.' which translates to 'In the meeting, he chose silence.'

Q.Is 沉默 a formal or informal word?

沉默 is considered a neutral term, appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It fits well in conversations, literature, and even professional settings.

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