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    Chinese Grammar

    Describing silence with 沉默 (chénmò)

    Description & Modification
    Negation

    Structure

    Subject + 沉默 + 了

    Explanation

    沉默 (chénmò) means "silent" or "to fall silent," describing a state of not speaking, often implying solemnity or unease. It can function as both an adjective and a verb. For example, 大家都沉默了 means "everyone fell silent."

    Examples

    • 听到那个消息，大家都沉默了好一会儿。

      tīng dào nà ge xiāoxi, dàjiā dōu chénmò le hǎo yīhuìr.

      Upon hearing that news, everyone fell silent for quite a while.

    • 他沉默了几秒钟才开口回答。

      tā chénmò le jǐ miǎozhōng cái kāikǒu huídá.

      He was silent for a few seconds before opening his mouth to answer.

    • 餐桌上一片沉默，谁也不说话。

      cānzhuō shàng yī piàn chénmò, shéi yě bù shuōhuà.

      There was complete silence at the dining table; no one said a word.

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    Describing silence with 沉默 (chénmò) | Chinese Grammar