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schweigsam

taciturn, quiet, of few words

adjective SHVYK-zahm Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

schweigsam describes a person who habitually says little, preferring silence to conversation. It can be respectful — ein schweigsamer Typ (a quiet type) — or hint at emotional unavailability. It is the natural opposite of gesprächig (talkative) and stronger than still (quiet).

Examples

"Er war von Natur aus schweigsam und sprach nur, wenn er etwas Wichtiges zu sagen hatte."

Natural Translation

He was naturally taciturn and only spoke when he had something important to say.

Literal Translation

He was by nature taciturn and spoke only, when he something important to say had.

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