The correct reading is かもく, with both kanji using their on'yomi. 寡 (か) means few or small in number, and 黙 (もく) means silence or to be silent. かぼく or かぎょく are common misreadings for 黙. This word describes someone who speaks very little, often by nature, preferring to observe or listen rather than converse.

正しい読みはかもくで、両方とも音読みです。寡（か）は少ない、黙（もく）は黙ることを意味します。かぼくやかぎょくは黙の読み間違いです。この言葉は、口数が少なく、あまり話さない性質や様子を指します。