About
默 combines the semantic component 黑 (black/dark) with 犬 (dog). Its etymology evokes a dog silently stalking prey in the darkness. This origin gives the character its core meaning of silent or quiet, referring to the absence of sound or speech. This sense remains dominant today, seen in words for silence, tacit understanding, or reciting from memory without speaking aloud.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请保持沉默。
他在默读课文。
我们默哀三分钟。
默认选项是正确的。
他们之间很有默契。
我默默地做完了工作。
老师让我们默写生词。
在那种情况下，沉默往往是最好的回答。