How to Say Silence is Golden in Japanese

The phrase “silence is golden” suggests that sometimes it is better to remain quiet instead of speaking, as silence can convey meaning or avoid causing trouble or offense. It is often used as a reminder to think before speaking and to be mindful of the potential consequences of one’s words. There are same kinds of words in Japanese, too.

沈黙は金 /tʃinmoku wa kane/

沈黙は金 is the same meaning as “silence is golden” in Japanese. 沈 /tʃin/ means “to sink”, 黙 /moku/ means “silent” or “speechless”, and 金 /kane/ means “gold”. Therefore, the literal translation of 沈黙は金 into English is “Silence is Golden”.

言わぬが花 /iwanu ɡa hana/

言わぬが花 is a Japanese idiom that literary means “unsaid is a flower”. Instead let silence convey meaning or avoid saying something that might cause trouble or offense. The phrase translates to “It’s better left unsaid” or “silence is golden” in English. The word 花 /hana/ in the idiom represents something good or positive. The phrase is often used as a reminder to think before speaking and to be mindful of the potential consequences of one’s words.

言わぬは言うにまさる /iwanuwa iu ni masaɾu

言わぬは言うにまさる is a Japanese idiom that translates to “what goes unspoken surpasses what is said.” It suggests that sometimes the most powerful or meaningful communication is accomplished through silence rather than words. The phrase is often used to encourage people to listen more actively and to pay attention to nonverbal cues.

言わぬ言葉は言う言葉の百倍 /iwanu kotoba wa iu kotoba no hjakubai

言わぬ言葉は言う言葉の百倍 is translated to “the unspoken word is worth a hundred times more than the spoken word.” It suggests that sometimes unsaid or unexpressed things can be more powerful or meaningful than what is actually said. The phrase is often used to encourage people to consider their words’ impact and use silence and nonverbal communication effectively.

There is a proverb list that has the same meaning as “silence is gold” in English

• Speech is silver, but silence is golden
• No wisdom to silence
• Few words are best
• Least said soonest mended
• Silence is wisdom when speaking is folly
• Silence is more eloquent than words
• Better silent than ill speech