Meaning
阴影 literally means 'shadow' or 'shade' cast by an object blocking light. In modern usage, it extends metaphorically to mean a psychological shadow or lingering negative influence from a past traumatic experience. It's commonly used to describe emotional or mental impacts that continue to affect someone.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 阴影 in both literal contexts (the shadow under a tree) and psychological contexts (childhood trauma leaving a shadow). The phrase '留下阴影' (to leave a shadow) is extremely common when discussing lasting negative psychological effects. In everyday conversation, the psychological meaning is often more prevalent than the literal meaning.
Examples
- 01那次经历给他留下了很深的心理阴影。.That experience left him with a deep psychological shadow.
- 02树木的阴影为我们遮挡了炎热的阳光。.The shadows of the trees shielded us from the scorching sunlight.
Characters
Measure words
- 片一片阴影
- 道一道阴影
Common collocations
- 留下阴影to leave a psychological shadow
- 心理阴影psychological shadow/trauma
- 走出阴影to come out of the shadow, to overcome trauma
- 童年阴影childhood trauma
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to darkness and obscurity. 阴 originally depicted a hillside in shade, while 影 combines the shadow radical with a phonetic component, representing the dark outline cast by an object.