Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Taciturn, quiet, reserved: Describes a person who is habitually silent, speaks very little, and appears thoughtful or introspective. It implies a deep, quiet demeanor.
   • Solemn, pensive: Conveys a mood or atmosphere that is quiet, serious, and marked by deep thought or reflection.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là người trầm mặc, hiếm khi tham gia vào các cuộc nói chuyện ồn ào. (He is a taciturn person, rarely joining in noisy conversations.)
  • Không gian trong ngôi chùa cổ thật trầm mặc và trang nghiêm. (The atmosphere in the ancient temple was solemn and reverent.)
  • Cô ấy chỉ trầm mặc ngồi nhìn ra cửa sổ. (She just sat quietly, looking out the window.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a neutral or slightly positive connotation, suggesting depth, wisdom, or dignity, unlike words that imply sullenness.
• It can be used to describe not only people but also environments, moments, or objects (like art or music) that evoke a quiet, profound feeling.
  • Bức tranh mang một vẻ đẹp trầm mặc. (The painting possesses a quiet beauty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trầm lặng (adj): quiet, calm, peaceful. Often interchangeable but "trầm mặc" emphasizes a thoughtful silence, while "trầm lặng" emphasizes calmness.
• Ít nói (adj): quiet, not talkative. A more direct, descriptive phrase.

Synonyms

• Taciturn: reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
• Reticent: not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
• Pensive: engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.
• Solemn: formal and dignified; not cheerful or smiling.

Related Idioms

• While "trầm mặc" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it describes the state implied in phrases like:
  • Giữ im lặng: to remain silent.
  • Suy tư trầm lặng: quiet contemplation.

adj

1. taciturn