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March 24, 2026
沉默chénmò(chen2mo4)
沉默 (chén mò) means to be silent or uncommunicative, often implying a reluctance to speak or express thoughts. It is commonly used in contexts where someone chooses not to engage in conversation, either due to shyness, contemplation, or discomfort. This word conveys a deeper sense of stillness than just not talking, suggesting an emotional or mental state.
Strokes23Frequency#3086DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 沉默 can be seen as a sign of respect or contemplation, especially in serious discussions or when listening to elders. It contrasts with the more expressive communication styles often valued in Western cultures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a deep, still lake (沉) that is completely silent (默). The lake's surface reflects the sky but doesn't reveal what lies beneath, just as a taciturn person keeps their thoughts hidden. The sound 'chen' can remind you of 'chenille,' a soft, quiet fabric, while 'mo' resembles the sound of silence.
Meanings of 沉默
chénmò(chen2mo4)
1taciturn
2uncommunicative
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 沉默
沉默Simplified
23Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3086Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 沉默
Podcast: 沉默
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AI Study Notes for 沉默
Quick Contrast
沉静 (chénjìng) vs 沉默 (chénmò): choose 沉静 when emphasizing a calm and peaceful silence, whereas 沉默 implies a reluctance or unwillingness to speak.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 沉默 with other similar terms like 安静 (ān jìng), which means quiet but does not imply a lack of communication. This word is more formal and often used in literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include '沉默寡言' (chén mò guǎ yán), meaning 'taciturn.'
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should focus on the nuance between 沉默 and other synonyms. Understanding the emotional context behind being silent can enhance your conversational skills. Practice using it in sentences that reflect both personal feelings and observations in social situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 沉默 to describe a peaceful quiet environment, which is better expressed with 安静 (ān jìng). For example, saying '这个地方很沉默' (This place is very silent) should be corrected to '这个地方很安静.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沉默
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沉默 (chén mò) means to be silent or uncommunicative, often implying a reluctance to speak or express thoughts. It is commonly used in contexts where someone chooses not to engage in conversation, either due to shyness, contemplation, or discomfort. This word conveys a deeper sense of stillness than just not talking, suggesting an emotional or mental state.
When to use 沉默
Be cautious not to confuse 沉默 with other similar terms like 安静 (ān jìng), which means quiet but does not imply a lack of communication. This word is more formal and often used in literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include '沉默寡言' (chén mò guǎ yán), meaning 'taciturn.'
沉默 or something close to it
沉静 (chénjìng) vs 沉默 (chénmò): choose 沉静 when emphasizing a calm and peaceful silence, whereas 沉默 implies a reluctance or unwillingness to speak.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 沉默 to describe a peaceful quiet environment, which is better expressed with 安静 (ān jìng). For example, saying '这个地方很沉默' (This place is very silent) should be corrected to '这个地方很安静.'
Write 沉默
沉
默
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Grammar Patterns of 沉默
沉默 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
女孩尴尬地说了句“这是马尔科姆”，打破了____。
"This is Malcolm," the girl said awkwardly, to fill the silence.
Example Sentences for 沉默 (10)
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1
女孩尴尬地说了句“这是马尔科姆”，打破了沉默。
nǚ hái gān gà dì shuō le jù“ “ zhè shì mǎ ěr kē”， mǔ ”， dǎ pò le。
"This is Malcolm," the girl said awkwardly, to fill the silence.
2
珀尔并不介意他沉默寡言；事实上，她喜欢这一点。
pò ěr bìng bù jiè yì tā chén mò guǎ yán； ； shì shí， shàng ， tā xǐ huān zhè。
Pearl didn't mind his reticence; in fact she liked it.
