(かもく)

かもく
na-adjective
taciturn, reticent, quiet
formalwrittendescriptive
1. taciturn, reticent, quiet
Speaking very little by nature. Describes a person who does not talk much, not because they are shy or upset, but as a personality trait.
(ちち)寡黙(かもく)(ひと)だ。
My father is a taciturn person.
A taciturn craftsman is working silently.
(かれ)寡黙(かもく)いざという(とき)(たよ)りになる
He is quiet, but you can count on him when it matters.

Usage

寡黙(かもく) is typically used as a positive or neutral description. It often conveys a sense of quiet dignity or reliability, especially when describing men or craftsmen. In Japanese culture, being 寡黙(かもく) is sometimes admired as a sign of strength or depth.

Common collocations

Similar words

無口(むくち) also means quiet or not talkative and is more common in everyday conversation. 寡黙(かもく) has a more literary or respectful nuance. Do not confuse with the homophone 科目(かもく) (subject, course), which has a completely different meaning.