サイレント
Meanings
1
Describes a state of no sound or speech. Used as a な-adjective, often in compound terms or technical contexts.
Please put your phone on silent during the meeting.
2
abbreviation
Abbreviation of サイレント映画. Used as a noun to refer to silent movies.
See also: サイレント映画
Chaplin's silent films are still popular today.
3
silent letter
Refers to a letter in a word that is not pronounced. Used in linguistic contexts.
The 'k' in the English word 'knee' is a silent letter.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉をサイレントにするto put something (e.g. a phone) into silent mode
I set my phone to silent during the meeting.
- サイレントな〈場所〉a quiet, noise-free place (often used in technical/product descriptions)
This office is a very quiet environment.