침묵
chimmuk[t͡ɕʰimmuk̚]
Silence in Korean is 침묵 (chimmuk).
침묵 refers to the lack of sound. It is a common and general term for silence used in formal contexts.
Meaning: lack of sound (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of 'keeping silence' or 'remaining silent,' the verb 지키다 (to keep/protect) is used with the object marker. The phrase 침묵을 지키다 is commonly used to describe a person choosing not to speak or a group maintaining a state of silence.
How do you pronounce it?
chimmuk
Did you know?
- To describe a 'silence' that is uncomfortable or tense, Koreans often use the word 침묵 paired with 흐르다 (to flow), treating the silence like a river moving between people.
- In Korean culture, silence during a conversation is often interpreted as a sign of deep thought or respect rather than awkwardness or a lack of understanding.
- Korean uses the word 고요 (goyo) for a peaceful, natural silence, such as a quiet forest, which is distinct from the human-centered or intentional silence of 침묵.
Examples in context
- 침묵은 아주 강력한 무기야.Silence is a very powerful weapon.This sentence shows how silence can be described as a powerful weapon using 침묵.Tatoeba #8367163 by Eunhee, translation #8345126 by CK
- 둘 사이에 무거운 침묵이 흘렀다.Heavy silence descended between the two.This sentence describes a heavy silence between two people using 침묵.Tatoeba #982062 by Sudajaengi, translation #8034320 by yesjustryan
- 그들은 침묵을 지켰다.They kept silence.This sentence demonstrates the phrase for keeping silence using 침묵.Tatoeba #2884272 by cueyayotl, translation #307179 by rul
- 어제 회의에서 침묵이 깨어졌다.Silence was broken during yesterday's meeting.
- 호수 주변은 고요하고 조용하다.The area around the lake is calm and quiet.
- 제발 잠깐만 조용히 있어봐.Please, be quiet for a moment.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun갑자기 침묵이 찾아왔어요.gapjagi chimmugi chajawasseoyo.Suddenly, silence descended.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 고요한 분위기네요.jeongmal goyohan bunwigineyo.It is a very calm atmosphere.
- 민준 Min-jun가끔은 이런 침묵이 필요해요.gakkeumeun ireon chimmugi piryohaeyo.Sometimes, this kind of silence is necessary.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 저도 그렇게 생각해요.majayo, jeodo geureoke saenggakaeyo.That's right, I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silence” translations and entries 침묵, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
