Meaning
阴天 refers to weather when the sky is covered with clouds and there is little or no direct sunlight. It describes a gray, overcast day that is neither fully clear nor actively raining. This is a common weather term used in daily conversation.
Usage
阴天 is used in everyday weather descriptions and forecasts. It typically implies dull, gray weather that might feel cooler or more oppressive than sunny days. Native speakers often use it when discussing plans or explaining the day's conditions. It can also metaphorically describe someone's gloomy mood.
Examples
- 01今天是阴天，出门记得带伞。, .Today is overcast, remember to bring an umbrella when you go out.
- 02阴天让人感觉心情有点压抑。.Cloudy days make people feel a bit depressed.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个阴天
Common collocations
- 阴天下雨cloudy and rainy
- 转阴天turn cloudy/overcast
- 阴天气overcast weather
Antonyms
Origin
阴 originally meant 'shade' or 'the shady side' and is associated with darkness, clouds, and the moon (as opposed to 阳 yang/sun). Combined with 天 (sky/day), it literally means 'cloudy sky' or 'overcast day.'