だんまり
だんまり
noun
silence; staying mum
1.
silence, staying mum, keeping quiet
The act of deliberately keeping silent, especially when one is expected to speak or respond. Often implies stubbornness or avoidance.
だんまりを決め込む。
To clam up and stay silent.
何を聞いてもだんまりだった。
No matter what I asked, he stayed silent.
問題が起きても会社はだんまりを決め込んで、何の説明もしなかった。
Even when the problem arose, the company stayed mum and gave no explanation.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- だんまりを決め込む: to decide to stay silent, to clam up (the most common expression)
- だんまりを通す: to maintain one's silence
USAGE: Implies deliberate, often stubborn silence. Used when someone chooses not to speak despite being expected to respond, whether out of stubbornness, guilt, or a desire to avoid a topic. Carries a somewhat critical tone.