暝 (míng) - Dusk, twilight & dark, obscure

暝Tone 2

míng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

妙慕

暝 · míng

Dusk, twilight;

dark, obscure;

to close the eyes.

Dusk, twilightdark, obscureto close the eyes.

Usage highlights

DuskDark nightClose one's eyesEvening mistDark and deepTwilight time

Synonyms

  • 暮— dusk, evening
  • 昏— dusk, dim
  • 暗— dark, obscure

Antonyms

  • 明— bright, clear
  • 昼— daytime
  • 晨— morning

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sky is getting dark at dusk (天色已暝).
  • He closed his eyes to rest (他暝目休息).
  • The mountain forest grows dim in the evening (山林在傍晚变得暝暗).

Collocations

  • Dusk(暝色)
  • Dark night(暝夜)
  • Close one's eyes(暝目)
  • Evening mist(暝雾)
  • Dark and deep(暝深)
  • Twilight time(暝时)

Idioms

  • To die with eyes closed(死不暝目)
  • To die without regret(死亦暝目)
  • Dark and indistinguishable(暝色四合)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese poetry, 暝 often describes the transition from day to night, evoking melancholy or solitude.
  • The phrase 死不暝目 (to die with eyes open) signifies dying with unresolved regrets or unfinished business.
  • Used in Buddhist contexts to represent the closing of eyes in meditation or death.

FAQ