This study examines the meaning and function of Korean silence action ; Contrasting with the Japanese linguistic & non-linguistic action to appear under the same situation. The results are as follows. · When the silence action of Koreans has instrumental function (referential function, conative function, emotive function), Japanese take linguistic actions at a high rate, about 30 percent of Japanese take the silence action. · When the silence action of Koreans has phatic function, Japanese don``t take the silence action, most Japanese take linguistic actions. This study will be helpful to research about Japanese education and also contribute to deepening the mutual understanding between Korean and Japan.