黭 (yǎn) - Dark & black

黭Tone 3

yǎn ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

黭 · yǎn

Dark;

black;

dim;

obscure;

used to describe darkness or dimness, often in literary contexts.

Darkblackdim

Usage highlights

Dark and gloomyDim and obscureBlackish colorSomber expressionObscure writingDark clouds

Synonyms

  • 暗— dark; dim
  • 黑— black
  • 冥— dark; obscure

Antonyms

  • 明— bright; clear
  • 亮— bright; shining
  • 白— white; bright

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The room was dim and gloomy (黭然).
  • The sky turned dark before the storm (天色黭黭).
  • His expression was somber and dark (面色黭黭).
  • The ancient text was obscure and hard to read (文字黭黭).

Collocations

  • Dark and gloomy(黭黭)
  • Dim and obscure(黭然)
  • Blackish color(黭色)
  • Somber expression(面色黭黭)
  • Obscure writing(文字黭黭)
  • Dark clouds(黭云)

Idioms

  • Dark and obscure(黭黭冥冥)
  • Dim and gloomy(黭然无光)
  • Black and indistinct(黭黭蒙蒙)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese literature to describe darkness or obscurity.
  • Often used in poetic contexts to convey a sense of gloom or mystery.
  • Rare in modern usage, primarily found in historical or literary texts.

FAQ