Definition
少言寡语 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'few words, sparse speech'. It describes a person who is quiet, reserved, and doesn't talk much — not necessarily out of shyness but as a habitual personality trait or a temporary mood. You can use it as a neutral or mildly positive description of someone who speaks sparingly but thoughtfully.
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quiet and reservedtaciturnnot talkative
Examples
- 少言寡语,。Tā píngshí shǎo, dàn guānjiàn shíkè zǒng néng shuō chū hěn yǒu jiàndì de huà.He is usually quiet and reserved, but at critical moments he always says insightful things.
- 少言寡语,。Zhège zuòjiā zài gōngzhòng miànqián zǒngshì shǎo, kěshì bǐxià què chōngmǎn le qínggǎn.This writer is always taciturn in public, yet his writing is full of emotion.
- ,少言寡语,。Tā xìnggé nèixiàng, shǎo, què yǒu yì shuāng shànyú guānchá de yǎnjīng.She is introverted and quiet, but she has a pair of eyes that are good at observing.
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