In 15 Seconds
- Means 'silent mode' or 'mute' for electronic devices.
- Use 'kāi jìngyīn' to turn on silent mode.
- Essential for meetings, cinemas, and avoiding social embarrassment.
Meaning
This phrase refers to putting your phone or device on silent. It literally means 'quiet sound' and is used whenever you need to mute notifications.
Key Examples
3 of 6Entering a movie theater
电影要开始了，请把手机静音。
The movie is starting, please put your phone on silent.
In a business meeting
不好意思，我忘了开静音。
Sorry, I forgot to turn on silent mode.
On a video call
喂？你能听到吗？你好像静音了。
Hello? Can you hear me? You seem to be on mute.
Cultural Background
As China became a mobile-first society, 'silent mode' became a social necessity. Interestingly, many young professionals in cities like Shanghai keep their phones on silent permanently to manage 'notification anxiety.' It reflects a modern shift toward digital boundaries in a very connected culture.
The 'Kāi' Trick
Remember that to 'turn on' silent mode, you use the word `开` (kāi), the same word for 'opening' a door or 'turning on' a light.
Don't mute people!
If you tell a person `你静音！`, they will be very confused. Use `安静` (ānjìng) for people.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'silent mode' or 'mute' for electronic devices.
- Use 'kāi jìngyīn' to turn on silent mode.
- Essential for meetings, cinemas, and avoiding social embarrassment.
What It Means
静音 (jìngyīn) is the standard term for 'silent mode' or 'mute'. It combines 静 (quiet/still) and 音 (sound). You will see this on every smartphone in China. It is simple, direct, and essential for modern life.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun or a verb. To say 'put on silent,' use 开静音 (kāi jìngyīn). To ask someone to mute their device, say 请静音 (qǐng jìngyīn). It is a very versatile 'button' word for your vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it whenever noise is a problem. Use it in movie theaters or during important meetings. It is perfect for libraries or when a baby is sleeping. If your phone rings in a quiet place, whisper 对不起，我没开静音 (Sorry, I didn't turn on silent).
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to tell a person to be quiet. That would be 安静 (ānjìng) or 闭嘴 (bìzuǐ). 静音 is specifically for electronic devices and audio settings. Using it on a person sounds like you are looking for their remote control.
Cultural Background
In China, keeping your phone on loud in public is often tolerated. However, in professional or high-end settings, 静音 is the gold standard of etiquette. In the 'WeChat era,' many people keep their phones on silent 24/7. They prefer checking messages manually rather than hearing constant 'pings'.
Common Variations
You might hear 震动 (zhèndòng) which means 'vibrate mode'. If you want to 'unmute,' you say 取消静音 (qǔxiāo jìngyīn). In video calls, you will often hear 你静音了 (Nǐ jìngyīn le), meaning 'You are on mute'.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works in all social registers. Just remember it applies to audio output, not physical environments.
The 'Kāi' Trick
Remember that to 'turn on' silent mode, you use the word `开` (kāi), the same word for 'opening' a door or 'turning on' a light.
Don't mute people!
If you tell a person `你静音！`, they will be very confused. Use `安静` (ānjìng) for people.
The Polite Vibrate
In China, if you are in a meeting, it's polite to use `震动` (vibrate) instead of total `静音` so you can still feel if an emergency call comes in.
Examples
6电影要开始了，请把手机静音。
The movie is starting, please put your phone on silent.
A standard polite request in public spaces.
不好意思，我忘了开静音。
Sorry, I forgot to turn on silent mode.
A common apology when a phone rings unexpectedly.
喂？你能听到吗？你好像静音了。
Hello? Can you hear me? You seem to be on mute.
Very common in the era of remote work.
我要睡觉了，手机开静音，有事留言。
I'm going to sleep, phone is on silent, leave a message if anything.
Setting boundaries for rest.
全场最响的声音就是你的手机没静音。
The loudest sound in the whole venue is your phone not being on silent.
Sarcastic humor about a social faux pas.
太吵了，把平板电脑静音！
Too noisy, mute the tablet!
Direct command for noise control.
Test Yourself
How do you tell someone to put their phone on silent?
请把手机___。
While 'ānjìng' means quiet, 'jìngyīn' is the specific term for device settings.
What verb do you use to 'turn on' silent mode?
我___了静音，没听到电话。
In Chinese, you 'open' (kāi) settings or modes like silent mode.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Jìngyīn'
Telling a friend to mute a game.
静音一下！
Standard setting on a phone.
开启静音
Announcement in a theater.
请将手机调至静音。
Where to use 静音
Cinema
Watch in peace
Office
During a presentation
Bedroom
Sleeping soundly
Library
Studying hard
Practice Bank
2 exercises请把手机___。
While 'ānjìng' means quiet, 'jìngyīn' is the specific term for device settings.
我___了静音，没听到电话。
In Chinese, you 'open' (kāi) settings or modes like silent mode.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! If you want to mute the television, you can say 把电视静音 (bǎ diànshì jìngyīn).
Yes. 安静 is an adjective meaning 'quiet' (like a room), while 静音 is a technical setting for sound.
You can say 取消静音 (qǔxiāo jìngyīn), which literally means 'cancel silent mode'.
It is neutral. It is used in both casual texts and formal announcements.
That is called 震动 (zhèndòng). People often ask, 'Is your phone on silent or vibrate?'
Yes, you can say 静音手机 (mute the phone), though 开静音 is more common.
That is 'Do Not Disturb' mode (免打扰), which is slightly different from just muting the sound.
Not really, but young people might just say 'Mute le' using the English word in gaming contexts.
It's a way to reduce stress from constant WeChat notifications in a fast-paced society.
No, that would be weird. Use 别说话 (don't talk) or 小声点 (speak lower) instead.
Related Phrases
安静
Quiet / Peaceful
震动
Vibrate mode
免打扰
Do Not Disturb
调低音量
Turn down the volume
