Meaning and Usage
The verb 黙る (だまる) means "to be silent" or "to stop talking." It is commonly used when someone chooses not to speak, either voluntarily or because they are unwilling or unable to respond.
Common Contexts
黙る is often used in situations where silence is notable, such as when someone is asked a question but does not answer, or when someone listens quietly without interrupting. It can express both neutral silence and a more deliberate refusal to speak.
Collocations and Patterns
- 黙る (だまる): simply to be silent.
- 黙っている (だまっている): to remain silent, often emphasizing the ongoing state.
- 黙って聞く (だまってきく): to listen silently without interrupting.
Register and Nuance
黙る is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and polite contexts, though in very formal situations other expressions might be preferred. It can sometimes imply disapproval if the silence is seen as stubborn or uncooperative.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 黙る with 話さない (not speak) or 止まる (to stop), but 黙る specifically refers to silence or stopping speech, not just the absence of talking. Remember it focuses on the act of not speaking rather than the inability to speak.