Dictionary
English - Japanese

Silence

ˈsaɪləns
Very common
~ 1600
~ 1600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

静けさ (しずけさ), 沈黙 (ちんもく), 無音 (むおん), 黙る (だまる)

Silence meanings in Japanese

静けさ (しずけさ)

Example:
I enjoy the silence of the forest.
私は森の静けさを楽しんでいます。
The room was filled with silence after the announcement.
発表の後、部屋は静けさに包まれました。
Usage: FormalContext: Describing a peaceful or quiet environment, often in literature or reflective speech.
Note: Used to express tranquility or the absence of noise.

沈黙 (ちんもく)

Example:
There was a moment of silence before he spoke.
彼が話す前に一瞬の沈黙がありました。
The silence in the meeting was uncomfortable.
会議の沈黙は気まずかったです。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Referring to a lack of speech or communication, often in social situations or discussions.
Note: Can carry a connotation of awkwardness or tension.

無音 (むおん)

Example:
The movie played in complete silence.
その映画は完全な無音で上映されました。
I prefer to work in silence.
私は無音の中で作業するのが好きです。
Usage: FormalContext: Describing a complete absence of sound, often used in technical or artistic contexts.
Note: This term is more technical and is often used in discussions about sound engineering or film.

黙る (だまる)

Example:
Please remain silent during the presentation.
プレゼンテーション中は黙っていてください。
She decided to keep silent about the issue.
彼女はその問題について黙ることに決めました。
Usage: InformalContext: Referring to the act of stopping speech or refraining from speaking, often in everyday conversation.
Note: This is a verb form and is commonly used in commands or requests.

Silence's synonyms

quiet

Quiet refers to the absence of noise or sound, similar to silence.
Example: The library was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Note: Quiet often implies a sense of peace or tranquility.

stillness

Stillness describes a state of being free from movement or agitation.
Example: The stillness of the night was broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl.
Note: Stillness emphasizes the lack of movement or activity.

hush

Hush is a verb that means to make someone or something quiet.
Example: The teacher hushed the students as they entered the classroom.
Note: Hush is more active and implies a deliberate action to quiet someone or something.

peace

Peace refers to a state of tranquility, calmness, and quiet.
Example: The peaceful garden was a sanctuary from the chaos of the city.
Note: Peace often conveys a sense of harmony and lack of conflict.

Silence expressions, common phrases

Silence is golden

This phrase means that sometimes it is better to say nothing than to speak.
Example: In certain situations, it's best to remain silent. Remember, silence is golden.
Note: The phrase 'silence is golden' emphasizes the value and wisdom of staying quiet in specific circumstances.

Deafening silence

This phrase describes a silence that is so intense and profound that it seems to be overpowering.
Example: After the controversial remark, there was a deafening silence in the room.
Note: The term 'deafening silence' implies a strong contrast between the expected noise and the actual quietness.

Silence speaks volumes

This phrase suggests that silence can convey a lot of information or emotions.
Example: Even though she didn't say a word, her silence spoke volumes about her disappointment.
Note: The expression 'silence speaks volumes' highlights the idea that silence can be as expressive as words.

Awkward silence

An uncomfortable or embarrassing silence in a conversation or social setting.
Example: After his joke fell flat, there was an awkward silence at the dinner table.
Note: The term 'awkward silence' implies a discomfort or unease associated with the silence.

Silence of the lambs

A reference to someone remaining silent, often in a situation where they could provide crucial information.
Example: The suspect maintained the silence of the lambs throughout the interrogation.
Note: This phrase alludes to the silence of lambs being led to slaughter, emphasizing a sense of impending danger or mystery.

Silence falls

Describes the sudden onset of quietness in a place.
Example: As the judge entered the courtroom, a silence fell over the spectators.
Note: The phrase 'silence falls' emphasizes the immediate and noticeable transition from noise to quiet.

Radio silence

A period during which no radio transmissions are made to avoid being detected by others.
Example: The team maintained radio silence during the mission to avoid detection.
Note: The term 'radio silence' specifically refers to a deliberate act of refraining from communication for strategic purposes.

Silence everyday (slang) expressions

Zip it

A direct and informal way to tell someone to be quiet.
Example: Zip it! I'm trying to concentrate.
Note:

Shh

A common interjection used to hush or quieten someone.
Example: Shh, don't make a sound.
Note:

Mum's the word

This phrase means to keep quiet and not reveal a secret or information.
Example: I won't tell anyone, mum's the word.
Note: The phrase implies secrecy or confidentiality.

Clam up

To suddenly become silent or stop talking about something sensitive.
Example: Whenever the topic comes up, he clams up.
Note: The term implies shutting down communication abruptly.

Button your lip

A forceful way of telling someone to be quiet or stop speaking.
Example: You better button your lip if you don't want trouble.
Note: The phrase has a more aggressive tone compared to simply asking for silence.

Pipe down

To request someone to be quiet or lower their voice.
Example: Hey, pipe down back there! I'm trying to focus.
Note: The term can be perceived as slightly more casual or colloquial than 'be quiet'.

Silence - Examples

Silence is golden.
She broke the silence with a loud laugh.
The beauty of the mountains lies in their peaceful silence.

Silence grammar

Silence - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: silence
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): silences, silence
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): silence
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): silenced
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): silencing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): silences
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): silence
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): silence
Syllables, Separation and Stress
silence Contains 2 syllables: si • lence
Phonetic transcription: ˈsī-lən(t)s
si lence , ˈsī lən(t)s (The red syllable is stressed)

Silence - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
silence: ~ 1600 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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