Translation guide
How to express 'silently' in Japanese depends on whether you mean without making noise, without speaking, or doing something quietly. The most common word is 静かに (shizuka ni), but other expressions convey specific nuances like stealth, muteness, or calmness.
Describes an action done without producing sound, quietly.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'silently' or 'quietly'. Used for actions done without noise.
彼は静かにドアを閉めた。
He silently closed the door.
静かに歩いてください。
Please walk silently.
Describes remaining silent, not saying anything.
The te-form of 黙る (to be silent). Used for doing something without speaking.
彼は黙ってうなずいた。
He silently nodded.
黙って聞いてください。
Please listen silently.
Describes a state or action done in a calm, subdued manner.
Also used for 'calmly' or 'peacefully', not just absence of noise.
彼は静かに微笑んだ。
He smiled silently/calmly.
Means 'gently' or 'calmly', often for demeanor or atmosphere.
静かに focuses on the absence of sound, while 黙って focuses on the absence of speech. Use 静かに for actions like walking or closing a door quietly. Use 黙って when someone refrains from speaking.
In English, 'silently' can modify many verbs, but in Japanese, the natural expression often depends on the verb. For example, 'silently cry' is often 声を殺して泣く (kill one's voice and cry) rather than 静かに泣く.
彼女は静かに本を読んだ。
She silently read a book.
彼は黙って同意した。
He silently agreed.
Literally 'without making a sound'. Emphasizes the absence of any noise.
音を立てずに部屋を出た。
I left the room silently.
Implies doing something gently and quietly, often with care or stealth.
彼女はそっと赤ちゃんをベッドに置いた。
She silently placed the baby on the bed.
Means 'secretly' or 'stealthily', often with a nuance of doing something without being noticed.
彼はこっそりお菓子を食べた。
He silently ate the sweets (without anyone noticing).
Literally 'without words'. Often used for silent actions or communication.
彼らは無言で見つめ合った。
They silently stared at each other.
Means 'without saying anything'. Emphasizes the absence of speech.
彼は何も言わずに去った。
He left silently.
彼女は穏やかに話し始めた。
She began to speak silently/calmly.