闇 (àn) - Dark — refers to darkness, obscurity, dimness & also connotes ignorance, secrecy, or being hidden from

闇Tone 4

àn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

闇 · àn

Dark — refers to darkness, obscurity, dimness;

also connotes ignorance, secrecy, or being hidden from understanding.

Dark — refers to darkness, obscurity, dimnessalso connotes ignorance, secrecy, or being hidden from

Usage highlights

DarknessIgnorantObscure meaningDark roomSecretlyGloomy

Synonyms

  • 暗— dark, dim (more common variant)
  • 黑— black, dark (color-focused)
  • 晦— dark, obscure, gloomy

Antonyms

  • 明— bright, clear, enlightened
  • 亮— bright, shining
  • 光— light, radiance

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The room was pitch dark (闇室).
  • He remained ignorant of the truth (闇於事理).
  • The meaning is obscure and hard to grasp (闇昧難明).
  • They met in secret (闇中會面).

Collocations

  • Darkness(黑暗)
  • Ignorant(愚闇)
  • Obscure meaning(闇昧)
  • Dark room(闇室)
  • Secretly(闇中)
  • Gloomy(幽闇)

Idioms

  • To grope in the dark(闇中摸索)
  • To be kept in the dark(闇於事理)
  • Dark and treacherous(闇昧之事)
  • Ignorant and unenlightened(闇愚無知)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese philosophy, 'darkness' (闇) often symbolizes ignorance or a lack of moral or intellectual clarity.
  • Used in Buddhist contexts to represent spiritual obscuration or delusion that prevents enlightenment.
  • Can carry a negative connotation of secrecy or things hidden from proper understanding.

FAQ