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.
サイレント映画
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).
チャップリンのサイレント映画は今でも人気がある。
Chaplin's silent films are still popular today.
A more formal or historical term, literally 'soundless movie'. Often used in academic or historical contexts.
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.
無声映画の時代には、活弁士が映画の説明をしていた。
In the era of silent films, benshi narrators explained the movies.
最近、サイレントにハマってるんだ。
Lately, I've been into silent films.