しじま

し

じ

ま

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

usually written using kana alonepoetical term

Poetic or literary word for deep, profound silence or stillness. Often used in descriptive or emotional contexts.

静しずけさ
Common word for quietness or stillness. しじま is more literary and implies a deeper, almost profound silence.
沈ちん黙もく
Standard word for silence, especially of a person not speaking. しじま is more about the atmosphere or environment.

Applies to each form listed below

gikun (meaning-based reading) or jukujikun

しじまUsage97%
Usually written in kana. The kanji forms 静寂, 沈黙, 無言, and 黙 are rare and literary.
沈黙しじまUsage3%
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; more commonly read ちんもく.
静寂しじま
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; more commonly read せいじゃく.
無言しじま
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; more commonly read むごん.
黙しじま
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; more commonly read もく or だま.る.

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the classical adjective しじ (still, quiet), but the exact derivation is unclear.