讷 (nè) - Slow of speech & inarticulate

讷Tone 4

nè ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 讠

楠念

讷 · nè

Slow of speech;

inarticulate;

taciturn;

reserved in speech.

Slow of speechinarticulatetaciturn

Usage highlights

Slow of speechSpeak slowlyReticent in speechSimple and taciturnStammering speechSlow to speak, quick to act

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 伶俐— clever; smart
  • 善辩— eloquent; good at arguing
  • 健谈— talkative; conversational

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is slow of speech (木讷).
  • She speaks slowly and deliberately (讷讷而言).
  • The scholar was known for his reticence (讷于言).

Collocations

  • Slow of speech(木讷)
  • Speak slowly(讷讷)
  • Reticent in speech(讷于言)
  • Simple and taciturn(朴讷)
  • Stammering speech(讷口)
  • Slow to speak, quick to act(讷于言而敏于行)

Idioms

  • Slow of speech but earnest in action(讷言敏行)
  • Honest and slow of speech(刚毅木讷)
  • Simple words but profound meaning(讷直守信)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Valued in Confucian tradition as a virtue - being careful with words and emphasizing action over speech.
  • Associated with the ideal of 'speaking little but acting much' in traditional Chinese moral philosophy.

FAQ