zing6 jam1靜音静音
Jyutpingzing6 jam1
Yalejihng yām
Definition
Silent mode; a setting on electronic devices that prevents them from emitting sound.
colloquialtechnologydaily actions
How it's used
Applying this term to electronics is standard, but it is also frequently used as a verb in casual speech by adding 模式 or simply using it directly. It implies a total absence of sound, which is why it is the go-to setting for phones in public spaces like libraries or cinemas. When someone asks you to put your device on silent, they are specifically asking for the ringer to be disabled.
Examples
Have you turned your phone to silent mode yet?
Remember to set it to silent mode when watching a movie.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 靜, which describes a state of being quiet or peaceful. 靜音 is strictly for the technical function of muting audio output, so do not use it to describe a person who is being quiet.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
