Translation guide
A film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially spoken dialogue. In Japanese, the most common term is サイレント映画, but the historical term 無声映画 is also used. When referring to the era or as a genre, サイレント is often used alone.
silent film
Referring to a silent film as a type of movie or a specific film without sound.
The most common and neutral term for 'silent film'. It is a loanword from English combined with 映画 (movie).
Chaplin's silent films are still popular today.
A more formal or historical term, literally 'soundless movie'. Often used in academic or historical contexts.
In the era of silent films, benshi narrators explained the movies.
Short for サイレント映画, often used in casual conversation or when the context is clear, especially when referring to the genre or era.
Lately, I've been into silent films.