学华语Learn Chinese with BaoOpen the course

沉默寡言

chén mò guǎ yán

taciturn

Character by character

沉chén
silent
默mò
quiet
寡guǎ
few
言yán
words

Example

他性格内向,沉默寡言。
He's introverted and doesn't say much.

Tone: neutral.

Usage and origin

寡 means 'few'; describes personality and pairs with 性格内向.

Learn it in context
This idiom and thousands more are in Learn Chinese with Bao, with audio, pinyin and drills that make them stick.
Start the course free →

More idioms