📖 Meaning
Describes a person who is steady, serious, and naturally reserved in speech. It conveys a sense of quiet dignity and reliability rather than shyness or aloofness.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Wei' (《魏书》), specifically the biography of Tuoba Yao, Prince of Henan, a son of Emperor Daowu of the Northern Wei dynasty. The text praises him for inheriting his father's character, reading widely, and being calm, steady, and sparing with words. It also notes that he was generous and fond of associating with scholars, showing that his quietness was paired with depth and virtue.
💡 Example Usage
他为人沉重少言，但做事十分可靠。
He is a man of few words and steady demeanor, but his work is exceedingly reliable.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 沉重少言
- Pinyin: chén zhòng shǎo yán
- Literal Translation: deep, weighty, few, words
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4