Translation guide
This proverb means that while speaking has value, remaining silent is often more valuable. It is used to advise discretion, listening, or avoiding unnecessary talk.
To express the idea that silence is more valuable than speech
This is the most direct and common Japanese equivalent of the proverb. It is a literal translation and widely recognized.
会議では、雄弁は銀、沈黙は金ということを忘れないでください。
In meetings, please remember that speech is silver, silence is golden.
A reversed order version of the direct translation, also used. The emphasis is still on silence being more valuable.
沈黙は金、雄弁は銀とよく言われる。
It is often said that silence is golden, speech is silver.
In Japanese communication, silence (間, ま) is often valued. Instead of quoting a proverb, you can simply pause or remain silent to convey thoughtfulness or disagreement.
（沈黙を保つ）
(Maintain silence)
「雄弁は銀、沈黙は金」 is a direct translation of the Western proverb and is understood by many Japanese. 「言わぬが花」 is a native Japanese proverb with a similar meaning but is more about the beauty of leaving things unsaid. Use the former for a more international or direct reference, and the latter for a more traditional or literary feel.
A Japanese proverb meaning 'not saying is a flower,' implying that sometimes it's better to leave things unsaid. It conveys a similar sentiment but is more poetic and culturally native.
あの時は言わぬが花だった。
At that time, silence was golden.