黙想

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 黙想 is a noun read もくそう; 黙想する describes silently collecting one's thoughts or meditating.
• Basic usage: Express duration with 一分間黙想する and a designated period with 黙想する時間を設ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Silent reflection
  • 黙想 focuses on quiet thought or mental composure rather than merely stopping speech. Context supplies the subject of the reflection.
• Duration expression
  • In 一分間黙想した, 一分間 directly states how long the action lasted. It does not necessarily require a following particle.
• 黙想 and 黙祷
  • 黙祷(もくとう) is used especially for silent prayer in remembrance of the dead. 黙想 can more broadly describe quiet reflection or meditation.