Translation guide
Describes a person who tends to be silent or speaks very little, often by nature. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives describing personality, verbs for 'being silent,' or idiomatic phrases.
To describe someone who is naturally quiet and doesn't talk much.
To describe someone who is not speaking at a particular moment, often by choice.
Verb meaning 'to be silent' or 'to keep quiet.' Used for temporary silence.
彼は会議中ずっと黙っていた。
He remained taciturn throughout the meeting.
無口 is the everyday word for a quiet person. 寡黙 is more literary and often carries a nuance of dignified, stoic silence. Use 無口 in most conversations.
The English word 'taciturn' is relatively formal. In casual Japanese, it's more natural to say 口数が少ない or あまり話さない (doesn't talk much) rather than using a direct adjective.
He is a taciturn person.
無口で通っている。
He is known for being taciturn.
A more literary or formal term for 'taciturn,' often implying a dignified silence. Common in written descriptions.
寡黙な職人
a taciturn craftsman
A common phrase meaning 'to be of few words.' More descriptive than 無口.
彼は口数が少ない。
He is taciturn (doesn't talk much).
Literally 'heavy-mouthed,' meaning reluctant to speak or slow to talk. Can imply shyness or unwillingness.
彼は口が重い。
He is taciturn (slow to speak).
Means 'silent' or 'without words.' Can describe a person who doesn't speak, but more often used for situations or actions.
彼は無言で座っていた。
He sat there silently.
More formal verb for 'to fall silent' or 'to keep silence.' Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
彼は沈黙を守った。
He maintained a taciturn silence.