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Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 沈思黙考

ちんしもっこう (chinshi mokkou)

English Translation:

Deep, silent thought

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Literally “deep thought, silent consideration”; thinking deeply and quietly, without saying a word.
日本語で読む
だまって、深くじっくりと考えこむこと。

Cultural Context:

沈思 means sinking deep into thought, and 黙考 means thinking in silence. It may be used for someone weighing an important decision, a shogi player before a key move, or quiet reflection.
日本語で読む
「沈思」は深く考えに沈むこと、「黙考」はだまって考えること。大事な決断の前や、将棋の勝負どころで考えこむようすなどに使うこともある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase; often used as a verb with “する,” as in “沈思黙考する.”
日本語で読む
• 「〜する」「〜の末」の形で使うことが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

黙考 is read もっこう, with a small っ, not もくこう. 沈 means sinking into thought, not feeling down or depressed.
日本語で読む
「黙考」は「もくこう」ではなく「もっこう」と読む。「沈」は気分が沈むことではなく、考えに深く入りこむこと。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 彼は沈思黙考の末、留学することに決めた。

    After long and silent thought, he decided to study abroad.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 忍は滝の前で沈思黙考し、敵の罠を見抜く策を練った。

    Sitting silently before the waterfall, the ninja thought deeply and devised a plan to see through the enemy’s trap.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「沈思黙考」 mean?

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