adjective HSK 5
huī àn
dim · dull · gloomy · somber

Meaning

灰暗 describes something that is dim, dark, or lacking in brightness and color. It combines the concepts of grayness (灰) and darkness (暗) to convey a sense of dullness or gloominess. The word can describe both literal lighting conditions and metaphorical emotional or situational states.

Usage

灰暗 is commonly used to describe lighting, weather, colors, or atmospheres that lack vibrancy. It frequently appears in literary and descriptive contexts to evoke mood. When describing emotions or situations, it suggests depression, hopelessness, or bleakness. It's more formal than simpler words like 暗 alone.

Examples

  1. 01
    这间地下室光线灰暗,让人感到很压抑。
    Zhè jiān dìxià shì guāngxiàn huī àn, ràng rén gǎndào hěn yāyì.
    This basement is dimly lit, making people feel depressed.
  2. 02
    乌云密布,天色变得灰暗起来。
    Wūyún mìbù, tiānsè biàn de huī àn qǐlái.
    Dark clouds gathered and the sky became gloomy.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 灰暗的天空
    huī àn de tiān kōng
    gloomy sky
  • 灰暗的房间
    huī àn de fáng jiān
    dim room
  • 灰暗的色调
    huī àn de diào
    somber tones
  • 前途灰暗
    qián huī àn
    bleak prospects

Antonyms

Origin

Compound of 灰 (gray) and 暗 (dark), combining two concepts related to lack of light and color to intensify the sense of dimness.

Related