Meaning
昏暗 describes lighting conditions that are dark, dim, or unclear. It refers to environments where there is insufficient light, creating a shadowy, murky, or gloomy atmosphere. The word combines the sense of fading consciousness or twilight (昏) with darkness (暗).
Usage
Used primarily to describe physical spaces with poor lighting, such as dimly lit rooms, dark corridors, or twilight conditions. It carries a slightly literary or formal tone compared to simple 暗. Often used in descriptive writing to set atmosphere or mood. Commonly collocates with 房间 (room), 灯光 (lighting), or 天色 (sky conditions).
Examples
- 01走廊里光线昏暗，我差点摔倒。, .The light in the corridor was dim, and I almost fell.
- 02这家酒吧环境昏暗，很适合聊天。, .This bar has a dim atmosphere, perfect for conversation.
Characters
Common collocations
- 昏暗的房间dimly lit room
- 昏暗的灯光dim lighting
- 光线昏暗the light is dim
- 天色昏暗the sky is dusky
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to lack of light. 昏 originally depicted the sun setting (日 sun + 氏 marker), representing twilight or dimness. 暗 combines 日 (sun) with 音 (sound), suggesting the hidden or obscured sun.