黪 (cǎn) - Dark grey & dull

黪Tone 3

cǎn ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

黪 · cǎn

Dark grey;

dull;

gloomy;

murky;

somber.

Dark greydullgloomy

Usage highlights

Murky and dullSomber countenanceGloomy and dimDark grey colorDusky and obscureFaded and old

Synonyms

  • 暗— dark; dim
  • 灰— grey; ash-colored
  • 昏— dusk; dim; confused

Antonyms

  • 亮— bright; shining
  • 明— bright; clear
  • 艳— bright-colored; gaudy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sky turned a murky grey (天色黪淡).
  • He wore a somber expression (面色黪然).
  • The old painting had faded to a dull color (颜色黪旧).

Collocations

  • Murky and dull(黪淡)
  • Somber countenance(黪容)
  • Gloomy and dim(黪黩)
  • Dark grey color(黪色)
  • Dusky and obscure(黪昧)
  • Faded and old(黪旧)

Idioms

  • Gloomy and obscure(黪黪黩黩)
  • Dim and dusky(黪然无光)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in classical Chinese poetry and literature to describe somber, overcast, or melancholic scenes.
  • Associated with faded colors, dim light, and a general atmosphere of gloom or decay.
  • The character is relatively rare in modern usage, primarily found in literary contexts.

FAQ