yǎbā

mute

The Chinese word '哑巴' (yǎbā) is used to describe a person who cannot speak. It can be used in both a literal sense, referring to someone who is unable to vocalize due to a physical condition, or in a figurative sense, as a description of someone who chooses not to speak in a particular context. It is essential to use the word sensitively, as referring to someone as '哑巴' might carry negative connotations in certain situations.