Translation guide
Ways to express the state or action of staying silent, not speaking, or refraining from comment in Japanese.
Describing the state of being silent, not speaking, or keeping quiet in a situation.
The most common way to say 'remaining silent' or 'keeping quiet'. It implies a continuous state of not speaking.
彼は会議中ずっと黙っていた。
He remained silent throughout the meeting.
It's hard to stay silent without saying anything.
A more formal or literary term for 'falling silent' or 'keeping silence'. Often used in written or dramatic contexts.
彼は突然沈黙した。
He suddenly fell silent.
Literally 'being without words'. Emphasizes the absence of speech, often in a situation where speaking is expected.
彼はただ無言で座っていた。
He just sat there in silence.
Expressing a deliberate decision to remain silent, hold one's tongue, or refrain from commenting.
Means 'to keep quiet (intentionally)' or 'to hold one's tongue'. Implies a conscious choice not to speak.
今は黙っておいたほうがいい。
It's better to keep quiet for now.
彼は真実を知っていたが、黙っておくことにした。
He knew the truth but decided to remain silent.
Literally 'to shut one's mouth'. A strong expression for refusing to speak or keeping a secret.
Means 'to maintain silence' or 'to observe silence'. Often used in formal or group contexts like a vow of silence.
彼らは沈黙を守ることを誓った。
They vowed to remain silent.
Describing a situation where one is so surprised, shocked, or moved that they cannot speak.
Literally 'to lose words'. Used when someone is speechless due to strong emotion.
あまりの驚きに言葉を失った。
I was so surprised I was at a loss for words.
Means 'to be speechless' or 'to be dumbfounded'. Often used when someone is so shocked they can't continue speaking.
彼はその質問に絶句した。
He was speechless at the question.
Indicating that someone remains silent in response to a question or situation, often implying refusal to answer.
Means 'to fall silent' or 'to clam up'. Suggests a sudden or stubborn silence, often in response to something.
彼は急に黙り込んでしまった。
He suddenly fell silent.
Literally 'to be without answering'. A straightforward way to say someone is not answering.
彼女はまだ答えずにいる。
She still hasn't answered.
黙っている is the everyday word for being silent. 沈黙する is more formal and often implies a dramatic or meaningful silence, like in literature or speeches.
English 'remaining silent' uses a participle, but Japanese typically uses a verb like 黙る or a state like 黙っている. Do not try to translate 'remaining' directly with 残る (のこる).
He kept his mouth shut about that matter.