一声不吭

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì shēng bù kēng
• English Translation: Not say a word, remain silent, clam up
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One）＋「声」（Sound, voice）＋「不」（Not）＋「吭」（To utter a sound）
• Meaning: Describes the state of not uttering a single word or making any sound. It refers to a situation of maintaining silence, saying nothing, and not reacting.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一声不吭」 contains the following nuances:

• Complete silence: Describes a state of being completely silent.
• No reaction: Means showing no verbal reaction to something.
• Intentional silence: Suggests that in some situations, silence is maintained intentionally.
• Acceptance: Can also describe a state of enduring hardship or pressure without complaint.

3. Usage

「一声不吭」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing a situation: Used to objectively describe a situation where someone is silent.
  • Example:「面对批评，他只是一声不吭地站在那里。」
    （In the face of criticism, he just stood there without saying a word.）
• Describing an action: Describes someone doing something without saying anything.
  • Example:「他一声不吭地完成了所有的工作，没有抱怨一句。」
    （He completed all the work without a word, not complaining once.）
• Attitude: Describes an attitude of not expressing opinions or feelings.
  • Example:「在这个敏感的问题上，大家都选择一声不吭，避免引起争议。」
    （On this sensitive issue, everyone chose to remain silent to avoid controversy.）

Additional Examples:

1. 整个会议过程中，她一声不吭，显得非常低调。
   （Throughout the meeting, she didn't say a word, appearing very low-key.）
2. 尽管遇到了困难，但他一声不吭，默默地承受着。
   （Despite facing difficulties, he remained silent and endured it quietly.）
3. 面对老师的提问，他一声不吭，脸涨得通红。
   （Faced with the teacher's question, he said nothing, his face turning red.）
4. 尽管很累，她还是一声不吭地把地扫完了。
   （Although very tired, she finished sweeping the floor without a word.）
5. 对于这个提议，他始终一声不吭，让人摸不透他的想法。
   （Regarding this proposal, he always remained silent, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The value of silence in Chinese culture: In Chinese culture, silence is not necessarily negative and can be seen as a symbol of thoughtfulness and patience. The idiom '一声不吭' reflects this cultural background.
• Interpretation depends on the situation: '一声不吭' can be interpreted in various ways depending on the situation. For example, it could be a sign of defiance, indifference, or simply being at a loss for words.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 沉默寡言 (chén mò guǎ yán): Taciturn, of few words.
  • 默不作声 (mò bù zuò shēng): To keep silent, to say nothing.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 滔滔不绝 (tāo tāo bù jué): To talk endlessly, to be garrulous.
  • 口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé): To be eloquent, to have a silver tongue.

6. Summary

The idiom '一声不吭' is not just about not speaking, but requires understanding the emotions and intentions behind the silence. Understanding the value of silence in Chinese culture will help you use it appropriately in context.