黙る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 黙る is read as だまる and is an intransitive verb for ceasing to speak or remaining silent.
• Basic usage: The silent person takes が in 皆が黙る, while 黙らずに話す means speaking instead of remaining silent.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 静かにする
  • 静かにする can reduce noise or movement generally; 黙る specifically focuses on not speaking.
• Force of the imperative
  • 黙れ is a very strong command to shut up and should not be treated as a neutral request for quiet.