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March 24, 2026
默默mòmò(mo4mo4)
默默 (mò mò) means to do something quietly or in silence, without drawing attention. It is often used to describe actions taken without recognition or acknowledgment, such as working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Frequency#11636DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 默默 resonates in Chinese culture, where humility and unrecognized efforts are often valued. Many Chinese historical figures are celebrated for their contributions made without seeking fame.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mouse (the sound 'mo' resembles 'mouse') sneaking around quietly in the shadows, doing its work without making a sound. This reflects the essence of '默默' — doing things silently and unobtrusively.
Meanings of 默默
mòmò(mo4mo4)
1in silence
2not speaking
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 默默
默默Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#11636Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 默默
Podcast: 默默
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AI Study Notes for 默默
Quick Contrast
默默 (mòmò) vs 安静 (ānjìng): Use 默默 when emphasizing silent actions or efforts, while 安静 refers more generally to a quiet state or environment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mouse (the sound 'mo' resembles 'mouse') sneaking around quietly in the shadows, doing its work without making a sound. This reflects the essence of '默默' — doing things silently and unobtrusively.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 默默 with similar expressions that imply noise or attention. It is more commonly used in informal contexts, but can also appear in literary or reflective writing. Collocations include 默默无闻 (mò mò wú wén), meaning 'unknown to the world.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 默默 connects with other advanced vocabulary emphasizing subtlety and introspection. Students should focus on using it in sentences that highlight quiet actions or feelings.
Cultural Note
The concept of 默默 resonates in Chinese culture, where humility and unrecognized efforts are often valued. Many Chinese historical figures are celebrated for their contributions made without seeking fame.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 默默 by pairing it with words that suggest loudness or attention. For example, saying '默默地说话' (quietly talk) is incorrect; it should be '默默地做事' (quietly work).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 默默
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Grammar Patterns of 默默
默默 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我想特莎应该选择长期____爱慕她的马尔科姆。
I think Tessa should plump for Malcolm, her long-suffering admirer.
Example Sentences for 默默 (10)
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1
我想特莎应该选择长期默默爱慕她的马尔科姆。
wǒ xiǎng tè suō yīng gāi xuǎn zé cháng qī mò mò ài mù tā de mǎ ěr kē mǔ。
I think Tessa should plump for Malcolm, her long-suffering admirer.
2
我默默地向葆拉投去恳求的目光。
wǒ mò mò dì xiàng bǎo lā tóu qù kěn qiú de mù guāng。
I threw a mute look of appeal at Paula.
3
我沿着河走了很久，默默沉思着。
wǒ yán zháo hé zǒu le hěn jiǔ， ， mò mò chén sī。
I went for long, contemplative walks by the river.
4
他默默分付两颊道: “不要烧盘!
tā mò mò fēn fù liǎng jiá dào:“ : “ bù yào shāo!
He silently enjoined his cheeks, Don't blush!
5
我暗自念叨着安东尼的话, 默默地学他的语调.
wǒ àn zì niàn tāo zháo ān dōng ní de huà, , mò mò dì xué tā de yǔ.
I repeated to myself Anthony's words, catching his accent, soundlessly.
6
众人 只顾 默默地向四周看, 一会儿船便回到晚香楼下.
zhòng rén zhī gù mò mò dì xiàng sì, zhōu kàn , yī huì ér chuán biàn huí dào wǎn.
As they silently gazed around them, their craft sailed past the " Fragrance at Eventide " building.
7
他们手拉着手,默默地坐了三十秒.
tā mén shǒu lā zháo shǒu, , mò mò dì zuò le sān shí.
Hand in hand they sat in silence for thirty seconds.
Christ, he thought, I wish I were as solid as Freddy Archer thinks I am.
Cultural Notes for 默默
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 默默 resonates in Chinese culture, where humility and unrecognized efforts are often valued. Many Chinese historical figures are celebrated for their contributions made without seeking fame.
Frequently Asked Questions about 默默
While it can imply silence, 默默 specifically refers to actions done quietly rather than shyness.
Yes, you can use it in essays or narratives to evoke a sense of introspection or unrecognized effort.
