About
The character "默" is structured from the components 黑 (black) and 犬 (dog), a combination which originally depicted a dog stealthily approaching or attacking in silence. This literal notion of covert, quiet movement later generalized to encompass the abstract quality of silence, quietness, or taciturnity in human behavior. The character’s traditional form is identical to its simplified version, maintaining this core compositional logic. Over time, its meaning expanded from the specific canine context to the broader and now primary sense of being silent, wordless, or unspoken, as in tacit understanding or quiet contemplation.
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。