adjective / verb HSK 5
dark · dim · dusk · confused · to faint · to lose consciousness
Meaning
昏 originally referred to the dimming of light at dusk or darkness. It has extended meanings including mental confusion, unconsciousness, or poor visibility. The character combines the sun (日) with the idea of evening or darkness.
Usage
昏 is commonly used in compounds rather than alone. It appears in words describing twilight (黄昏), fainting (昏倒), confusion (昏迷), and dim lighting (昏暗). In modern usage, it frequently describes states of diminished consciousness or clarity.
Examples
- 01天色已昏，我们该回家了。, .It's already getting dark, we should go home.
- 02他在炎热的太阳下站了太久，突然昏倒了。, .He stood in the hot sun for too long and suddenly fainted.
Common collocations
- 头昏dizzy, light-headed
- 昏昏欲睡drowsy, sleepy
- 昏头昏脑muddle-headed, confused
Antonyms
Origin
The character 昏 is composed of 日 (sun) on top and 氏 (a phonetic component). The original meaning referred to the sun setting and the dimming of daylight at dusk.