Meaning
阴暗 describes places that lack light or are poorly lit, creating a sense of darkness or gloom. It can refer to physical spaces like rooms or alleys, but also extends metaphorically to describe people's psychology, thoughts, or motives as dark, sinister, or morally questionable.
Usage
This word carries negative connotations whether used literally (a dark room) or figuratively (a sinister person). When describing people's mental states or character, it suggests something unhealthy, depressive, or morally corrupt. Native speakers often use it to describe cramped, poorly-lit spaces or to characterize someone with a dark, brooding personality.
Examples
- 01这个房间太阴暗了，需要多开几扇窗户。, .This room is too dark; we need to open a few more windows.
- 02他的内心世界很阴暗，总是想着报复别人。, .His inner world is very dark; he's always thinking about taking revenge on others.
Characters
Common collocations
- 阴暗潮湿dark and damp
- 阴暗的角落dark corner
- 阴暗心理dark psychology, sinister mentality
- 性格阴暗dark personality
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to darkness: 阴 originally referred to the shady side of a hill (opposite of 阳, the sunny side) and evolved to mean anything dark, negative, or hidden. 暗 depicts the sun (日) obscured, meaning darkness. Together they reinforce the concept of deep darkness.